MADISON - Nancy A. Marz, age 79, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025. She was born on March 5, 1946, in Goshen, Ind., the daughter of Howard and Bonieta (Bechtel) Swihart.

Nancy graduated from Goshen High School, Goshen, Ind., in 1964, Western Michigan University with a teaching degree in 1968, UW-Madison, with a degree in social work in 1984 and a Master of Science of Social Worker in 1985. Nancy retired in 2011 from the State of Wisconsin, where she started her career in social work at Mendota Mental Health and transitioned to the Wisconsin Department of Family Services in Madison.

Nancy was a breast cancer survivor and will be fondly remembered for her strong will, quick wit, sharp tongue and habit of running late. She loved babies and had a heart of gold. She took pride in her work and in her earlier years was active in adoption support groups. Nancy was an adovate of Planned Parenthood and a member of Unity Church of Madison and Olbrich Gardens. Nancy was an avid gardener and was proud of the 60 different varieties of hostas she raised. She also loved attending the Madison Farmer’s Market on the Square, reading, especially mysteries and was a music lover and enjoyed a great concert at the house of blues. Nancy loved participating in the annual spam carving contest as a judge with her coworkers. She even had spam earrings in her earring collection of handmade jewelry to wear to the event.

Nancy is survived by her daughters, Jessica (Larry) Crockett and Amanda Marz; granddaughter, Ashley Snyder; great-grandchildren, Hailey Lothridge, Zayden Snyder and Aryanna Snyder; sister, Bonnie Blough; and furry canine grandchildren, Hussle, London, Dutchess and Abelene. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of life will be held on June 28, 2025, in Madison.

Memorial donations may be made to Planned Parenthood (www.plannedparenthoodaction.org) or Unity Church of Madison.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Nancy A. Marz

March 05, 1946 - May 17, 2025

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