Nancy Jane Simmons

Croan

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IN LOVING MEMORY

Nancy Jane Simmons Croan

Jan 26 1931 - Jun 30 2011

Nancy Jane Simmons Croan, age 80, passed away on June 30, 2011 at her home in Richardson, Texas surrounded by her loving family. Nancy and her sister Eleanor Anne ("Aunt Lolly") were born and raised in Dallas, Texas by Heywood and Virginia ("Momo and Heyo") Simmons. Throughout their childhood, Nancy and her sister spent considerable time on their grandparents’, Zellah and Roy Blakely, farm in Albany, Missouri. Nancy graduated Highland Park High School while dating Harold David Croan, whom she married, and with whom she had three challenging children: Cynthia Anne, Clifton David, and Carrie Jane. All three children are convinced they are their mother’s favorite child. Nancy was a wonderful mother for her kids, supporting their various academic, professional and athletic endeavors. Nancy graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas in Women's Studies, where she placed on the Dean’s List. Nancy was a sports’ enthusiast throughout her life, attending her grandchildren’s high school and college basketball games well into her late 70's and was seen traveling throughout north Texas doing so. Nancy was also an avid bridge player and European traveler all her adult life, while finding plenty of time to volunteer at the Richardson Senior Center. She was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. A memory from Cynthia: Although Mom wasn’t overly dedicated to domesticity, I suppose the most telling of my childhood memories is of Mom making our standard weekly Sunday lunch: eggs hard-scrambled with cooked potatoes and whatever meat might be around. She did this while listening to the whole bunch of us of yelling at each other our various opinions on whatever political/social/ethical issue was currently at hand. If I’d been her, I probably would’ve rather taken a Sunday nap, but she did what she had to do to encourage us all to learn some critical thinking skills, and how to take into account all the various aspects of decisions: social, emotional, economic and so on. These lunches also convinced us of the absolute demand which the Christian faith places upon us to defend our beliefs with reason instead of alternatives more prevalent in the culture. The skills learned at that table have served each of us very well and enriched our intellectual and spiritual lives immeasurably. A memory from Clif: I have many favorite memories of Mom but the one that has been recurring these past few weeks is of her and me playing baseball. When I was a little boy, Dad was out of town working, and I nagged Mom until she was willing to throw the baseball with me. Don't mistake me as saying she had any talent for baseball - she didn't. What sticks with me is she was trying to do something, even something she did not want to do or have any talent at, for someone she loved. The message this memory contains for me is that in my relationship with Mom she taught me about love and many other things love encompasses such as a sense of duty to people we love, friendship, the simple opportunity to be with someone we love, or the myriad of other aspects of that confusing emotion entails. I am Nancy's favorite child. My sister Cynthia will tell you she is my Mother's favorite child. My sister Carrie will tell you she is my Mother's favorite child. Somehow, each of us is right. A memory from Carrie Jane: Mom permeated my life. Trying to come up with a specific moment that defined what she meant to me is nigh impossible, but I can give a memory that defines who she was. Mom loved basketball, and loved watching her grandchildren play. One time, when Kenzie was a senior, we were playing in a tournament in Wichita Falls. Mom always brought her lawn chair because it was too difficult to maneuver getting up and down the bleachers. This gave her special sanction to sit where she wanted, and this game she was on the floor-the ONLY fan to be there. Well, Kenzie shot a 3 pointer and the officials called her for a walk. Mom was out of that chair, hands on her hips, chewing those refs out! Always protecting those she loved, fighting for what she thought was right, and always, always giving her opinion. She was a pistol. A memorial Eucharist will be held for Nancy at St. James Episcopal Church in Lake Highlands (9845 McCree Road at Audelia) at 10 a.m. with a graveside service afterwards at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home in Allen. Friends and family are invited to a luncheon buffet at the Grand Hotel on the square in McKinney immediately following. Transportation will be provided. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Presbyterian Hospice or St. James Episcopal Church.
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