Nancy Beatty

NANCY ANN LYNCH BEATTY

Estero, Fla.

Nancy Ann Lynch Beatty passed away in Bonita Springs, Fla., on June 26, 2021. She was born July 21, 1934, to Charles Jeremiah Lynch and Dorothy Mayne Lynch in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on one of the hottest recorded temperatures for that date (without air conditioning)! She arrived under tough circumstances and proved to be one very tough individual. Over the next 86 years she endured chronic hepatitis (so rare that it was never identified as any of the known varieties) that manifested in cirrhosis of the liver, breast cancer, multiple hip replacements beginning at age 55, Celiac disease, bleeding varices and more, a lot for one lifetime. Although she was beset with multiple health issues, she never let it keep her from living life and helping others through her volunteer work. Nancy graduated from Franklin High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1952. She attended and graduated from Colorado College with a teaching degree in 1956. As a member of the Delta Gamma sorority Nancy served as chapter and alumni president. She was the Sweetheart of Beta Theta Pi and enjoyed the synchronized swimming team. She met fellow Iowan, H. Edward Beatty, at her freshman mixer and after graduation they were married. Nancy and Ed were married for 58 years until Ed's passing in 2014.

Nancy was a volunteer role model serving as a den mother and Camp Fire Girl group leader. She served on the Iowana Council of Camp Fire Girls as board president and a National Council member. She was an active and sustaining member of the Junior League of Cedar Rapids and served as treasurer for that organization. Nancy was a longtime member of the chapters of the PEO in Cedar Rapids and Bonita Springs. She was a board member for the American Red Cross, Seminole Valley Farm, and Meth-Wick Manor. She was a tutor for literacy. She generously volunteered her time for many causes.

Nancy loved all animals, but horses and dogs in particular, and at one point she even had a pet pig. She played the accordion and the piano. Nancy was skilled at all kinds of arts and crafts. Oil paintings? She painted many which graced her walls and the walls of those who received her art as gifts. Personalized Christmas stockings? She knitted one for every grandchild and great-grandchild. You need a prom dress or ski pants or curtains or seven bridesmaid dresses? Nancy always delivered with love. Counted cross-stitch your thing? Nancy completed a large family heirloom afghan honoring every member of the family. She also pioneered the now very common photo Christmas cards. When she initiated that tradition in the early 1960s, these cards required the creation of a handmade collage that had to be "shot" by a professional photographer and then reproduced by a printing company. She created an annual record of the family highlights through her themed photographic Christmas cards that are still cherished today. Nancy enjoyed gardening and was a dedicated super fan for the many activities pursued by her children and grandchildren, often traveling across country to be a first-hand witness. She would arrive, camera in hand, ready to document the moments for posterity which we all appreciate.

In high school, Nancy's family hosted a foreign exchange student from France which lead the way to her and Ed hosting others in her adult life that became extended family: a brother and sister from Australia, and two sisters from Germany. Those friendships have continued for her entire life.

Nancy was a baptized member of the First Congregational Church in Cedar Rapids, where she was married and was a visiting member of the First Congregational Church of Naples.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Edward Beatty; and her parents, Charles Jeremiah Lynch and Dorothy Mayne Lynch.

She is survived by: Jerry and Heidi Lynch (brother and wife); Celia Lynch Van Metre (sister); Cindy and Mike Conrads (daughter and husband); Dave and Trudy Beatty (son and wife); Bob and Raynette Beatty (son and wife); Jenny (Conrads) and John-Michael Kirkconnell (grand-daughter and husband); Nick Conrads (grandson); Shelby (Beatty) and Adam Cordingly (grand-daughter and husband); Sean and Shannon (Speak) Beatty (grandson and wife); Charlotte Beatty (great-granddaughter); Luke and Max Kirkconnell (great-grandsons) and many nieces and nephews.

Some say that there are angels among us and not all angels have wings. Our family can attest that there ARE truly angels among us and two of them are the amazing doctor and nurse that cared for Nancy for the last years of her life. Our family could not have found more caring, unselfish, devoted, knowledgeable, cheerful, honest and kind caregivers than these angels. Our family was double blessed to have such stellar people enter our lives to share their time and expertise with Nancy at the most medically challenging time of her life and we are forever grateful.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories, 4200 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. An online tribute is available on this website: www.shikanyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Nancy-Beatty-4/

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations: Indian Creek Nature Center, 5300 Otis Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA or the Cedar Valley Humane Society, 7411 Mount Vernon Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.