Nancy Kay Dalsgaard Richards' Obituary
Nancy Kay Dalsgaard Richards, born on April 30, 1943 in Springfield Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2024, at her lovely, forested home in Mountain View, Hawaii. She was surrounded by the love of her family as she embarked on her final journey.
Nancy was the beloved daughter of Donald Leslie Dalsgaard and Zoe Olive Long. She was raised in a loving home and cherished her family deeply.
Left to honor Nancy's memory is her daughter, Leslie Zoe Richards, her granddaughters Jessica and Maycie Kirkpatrick, and her grandson-in-law Brandon Ramey, all of Mountain View. Nancy's heart overflowed with joy and pride whenever she spoke about her family. She found solace and happiness in their presence, and her love for them knew no bounds.
Nancy also leaves behind her sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Phil Collins, residing in Avenger, Texas. The bond between sisters is something truly special, and Nancy and Barbara shared a connection that only siblings can understand. Their support for one another was unwavering, and even though they lived far away from one another, Nancy would visit her sister every year and they would talk on the phone every day. Their connection was a source of strength throughout their lives.
Additionally, Nancy is survived by her niece and nephew in law, Brook and Kelly Benson of Las Vegas, Nevada. Family ties are not limited by distance, as proven by the bond between Nancy and her niece.
After graduating from high school in 1961, Nancy enlisted in the Navy, where she dedicated herself to her country. She underwent specialized training in electronics and was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas. Nancy served honorably and was discharged in 1964, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and dedication.
In her early years, Nancy fell in love with Leslie Joseph Richards in Hollywood, California. The couple joined their lives in marriage in 1968, and together they embarked on a journey that would take them to O'ahu, where they welcomed their daughter, Leslie Zoe Richards. Although their marriage ended in divorce in 1974, Nancy and Leslie remained best friends until his passing in 1998. Their enduring friendship served as a testament to their deep connection and mutual respect.
Education was of paramount importance to Nancy, and she pursued her studies at Leeward Community College in Pearl City, Hawaii. In 1976, she proudly completed her Associate of Science degree in Accounting. Nancy's commitment to learning and personal growth was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Throughout her career, Nancy's exceptional organizational skills and proficiency with numbers opened doors for her in various office roles. She held positions as an office manager, bookkeeper, secretary, and accounting clerk. For over a decade, she dedicated her talents as a unit clerk at the Saint Francis Dialysis Center in Hilo before her well-deserved retirement. She herself was also on dialysis for years and at the age of 49, she received a kidney transplant that miraculously lasted her the rest of her life- 31 years. Nancy gave a sense of hope to all the patients that were undergoing dialysis throughout the duration of her employment there.
Nancy will be remembered as an immensely strong, compassionate, and caring individual who firmly believed in prayer and miracles. She herself was a miracle as she overcame every single roadblock that life threw at her and was the definition of a warrior, a true fighter. Her infectious smile and warm presence brought joy to every room she entered. She cherished the simple and little pleasures in life, finding solace in reading, spending time with loved ones and her dog Quill, observing the natural forest around her home- the dew on the trees, the birds hopping from one blade of grass to another, the cardinals, the color of the sunrise, the clouds, and the moon. Her unmatched generosity and selflessness touched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
As we mourn Nancy's passing, let us also celebrate the beautiful legacy she leaves behind. Her unwavering love, her indomitable spirit, and her commitment to family and learning will forever remain etched in our hearts. May her gentle soul find eternal peace, and may her memory be a blessing to us all.
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