Nancy Howard Page's Obituary
Nancy Howard Page, 54, a native Memphian died suddenly and unexpectedly at her home in Coconut Grove, Florida on September 26, 2018. Nancy Howard graduated from St. Mary’s Episcopal School and frequently spoke of the formative role the curriculum, faculty and her lifelong friends there played in her life. The values learned at St. Mary’s carried her through her journey. She did not judge others but was compassionate and quick to help when strangers and friends struggled. She received her BFA in Art History from the University of Virginia. Passionate about art history, she continued her studies in this field at UVA, receiving a Masters and ABD in the PHD program. Nancy Howard was also a member of Tri Delta sorority where she actively participated in recruitment, enjoying the camaraderie and building lifelong friendships. After many years in Charlottesville, Nancy Howard and her husband, Ed Pettersen, moved to Coconut Grove, Florida for his position as an officer in the US Army. She lived out her life there enjoying and appreciating the simple pleasures in life – walking on the beach, playing with her dogs and reading voraciously. As her husband, Ed, said “She earned her time in the sun and so much more.”Preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Gene Ruffner Page and Mrs. Ella Howard Page. Nancy Howard is survived by her beloved husband, Ed Pettersen, and 3 siblings, Louisa Smith (Nulsen), Susan Gates (Granville) and Ruffner Page (Penny). Nancy Howard also leaves 7 nieces, Pearson Alspach (Adam), Page Goelet (Olav), Carter Smith, Julia Rhea (John), Virginia Cheek (Andrew), Libby Sibley (Whit) and Margaret Page and a nephew, Granville Gates.The funeral service will be celebrated at 1:00 pm Thursday, November 1st at Church of the Holy Communion 4645 Walnut Grove Rd. Private burial will be held at Memorial Cemetery.Memorials may be sent to St. Mary’s Episcopal School, SPCA or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
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