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Nancy Lessig Obituary
Nancy was born July 18,1943 in Wichita, KS to Wilford L. and R. Leona (Cottle) Cline. She graduated from East High (Wichita) in 1961, and attended the University of Kansas, graduating with a BS in Elementary Education in 1965. Nancy was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and served has house manager. She met Parker Lessig on a blind date (orchestrated by Nancy's sister Carol and Parker's brother Paul) as a freshman in 1961. The couple was married in Wichita on August 15, 1965. Nancy began her career as an elementary teacher the same year, and for the next 5 years taught 5th grade at Hillcrest Elementary supporting Parker as he completed his masters and Ph.D. degrees. She earned a Master of Science in Education during this period by taking evening and weekend classes.
Nancy and Parker moved to Pullman, WA in 1970 where she taught 5th grade at Edison Elementary. They returned to Lawrence in 1972, and Nancy began teaching at Sunset Hill until the birth of their sons (Aaron Parker Lessig and Eric Paul Lessig). Nancy chose to be a stay-at-home mom until her children became teenagers. This was a wonderful period in the family's life. She always filled the home with love, fun, endless adventure, and the aroma of freshly baked "monster" cookies. Neighborhood children knew that they were always welcome and grew to love her as a warm and caring "neighborhood mom." Twelve years later, she resumed her teaching career at Basehor Elementary; she retired in 2007.
Nancy was a Cub Scout den leader and pack committee member and was a strong supporter of Parker's work as a Scoutmaster and Scouting commissioner. Nancy had a life-long Christian faith. She taught Sunday school at the First Presbyterian Church (Lawrence) and was a long-term deaconess and member of the Board at the First Christian Church (Lawrence). For the past 20 years, she was a member of Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church (Lawrence) and was active in its women's Bible studies. She was a member of the Kansas University Women's Club and participated in the New Members and Friends Group, the Kansas History Group and the Travel Group. Nancy especially enjoyed the Dole Institute of Politics and seldom missed a workshop or lecture.
Nancy was a selfless and caring individual. She always tried to follow God's example and never placed her interests or wants above those of others. Her focus was on God, her family, students, friends and acquaintances. She offered support when support was needed and loving direction and constructive correction when required - always with loving compassion. Aaron summed this well by saying that "She loved people in the way they needed to be loved."
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and niece, Gail Suzanne Lessig. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, V. Parker Lessig; two sons, Aaron Parker Lessig (Jessica) of Evergreen, CO and Eric Paul Lessig (Heather) of Lawrence; five grandchildren, Josephine, Cline, Caleb, Kaitlyn, and Grace; two sisters, Beth Gramly (Roger) of Overland Park and Carol Hermes (Hank) of Boulder, CO; a brother-in-law, Paul M. Lessig (Lindsay) of Seattle, and a number of nephews and nieces.
Nancy will be deeply missed, but she leaves a lasting legacy of faith, hope and love.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Dole Institute of Politics, to the children's programs at Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church, or to the Boy Scouts of America Heart of America Council. These may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary. For more information or to post a condolence, please visit warrenmcelwain.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Lessig
Bob and Joyce Schaffer
November 6, 2020
I think of your family often and pray you’re finding peace and comfort in knowing Nancy is with our Heavenly Father. God bless. Bob and Joyce Schaffer
Josie Lessig
January 31, 2018
I love you Grandma! I really miss you, but I know that you are watching over us and with Jesus! I always loves when we made monster cookies together! I LOVE YOU A BUSHEL AND A PECK!
David and Kathy Guth
December 5, 2017
Kathy and I were saddened to hear of the loss of Nancy. Our time together with Parker and the boys in the Boy Scouts is cherished. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
November 19, 2017
Mrs Lessig taught all 4 of my children at Linwood Elementary. She was a very caring, compassionate teacher. I am very sorry for your loss.
Maureen Ross
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Nancy Lessig's 5th grade class at Hillcrest Grade School, Lawrence, Kansas 1966-67
Jane Reed Wilson
November 19, 2017
Jane Wilson
November 19, 2017
To the Lessig family, please accept my condolences on the loss of Nancy. She was my fifth grade teacher at Hillcrest, and if any teacher left a happy memory for me from elementary school, Mrs. Lessig would be at the top of the list. She encouraged my creativity in art and writing, and the mornings after our favorite TV shows aired, we would talk about them (Star Trek, Mission Impossible). She was COOL. But overall I am left with the impression of a caring and gentle person. I have often thought about her, and wish I could tell her that. With love, Jane Reed Wilson
Sara Gillahan
November 17, 2017
Dear Parker Aaron & Eric, I was so sad to hear of Nancy's death. I first met Mrs. Lessig as my fifth grade teacher at Hillcrest Elementary and she quickly became my favorite teacher yet. I was so happy to find that she was a Delta Gamma alum when I pledged DG at KU. I hope that you know how many lives she touched and find some joy and comfort in hearing how much she meant to all of us. Thinking of you & Nancy today.
Shawna Caro (Berry)
November 16, 2017
To the family, Mrs Lessig was my third and fifth grade teacher. She was the first teacher I had when I moved into the Linwood district. She taught us Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven and that's the moment that I fell in love with literature. It was her passion and love for teaching that influenced me to become a teacher too. This August I began on my path to becoming a public school teacher through the transition to teaching program. I teach and study simultaneously to earn my license. I am teaching 7th grade English Language Arts. From the moment I was hired I thought that I should try to find out how to contact her to say thank you. I didn't get that opportunity but I owe my success to her, and she will always be much loved in my heart.
Jim Hanna
November 16, 2017
So sorry to for your loss. Wishing & praying the best for you all.
Bobby Pielsticker
November 15, 2017
We are saddened to hear this sudden news. Our prayers are with your family in this difficult time. I know Nancy was welcomed with open arms in Heaven by our Lord and Savor, Jesus Christ. Mom and Granny Pat will consume a lot of her time! We look forward to celebrating her life on Thursday. Love, Bobby Pielsticker
November 15, 2017
Parker,
We are so saddened to hear of Nancy's death. Our hearts go out to you and your family, we always enjoyed seeing Nancy with you at KU events. She was such a friendly nice woman.
Marnie & Bill Clawson
Bob Carlson
November 14, 2017
Parker and family, my heart is just breaking for you at the loss of such a wonderful person from your lives. I'm so sorry for the empty place she will leave in your hearts. Remember the good memories of her. She was a wonderful person, full of life. I have enjoyed you both over the many years since you returned to Lawrence in 1972. God bless you and He will help all of you mend at the end of your morning. It just takes time!
Your friend, Bob Carlson
November 14, 2017
Dear Parker, Aaron, and Eric,
I am so sorry to read this. My heart goes out to you. Thankful that I knew Nancy, a kind, caring person.
Sincere condolences,
Suzanne Sherr
Brock Guernsey
November 14, 2017
Parker. Our love and prayers for you and your family during this time of loss. We wish you comfort and peace in knowing that life does not end with mortality and we will be with our spouses and families again. Take comfort. Brock and Anita Guernsey
Rita and Bruce Bublitz
November 13, 2017
Our prayers go to the entire Lessig family. We remember Nancy's smile and her laugh. She was a wonderful person.
Joyce Schaffer
November 12, 2017
Our thoughts, prayers, and sincere sympathy are with all your family following the passing of a special lady. We had some great times around the bridge table. Bob and Joyce Schaffer; Chad and Ambria Schaffer; and Melanie and Greg Krumsick
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