Nancy Carol Pederson

MADISON - Nancy (Phelps) Pederson, age 71, passed away in her sleep in Madison on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, following a struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Nancy was born on March 19, 1950, to Florence “Toots” (Koehn) and Maurice “Mory” Phelps in Madison, Wis., and grew up in nearby Sun Prairie. She graduated from Sun Prairie High School in 1968.

Nancy was a loving wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was a kind soul who appreciated sharing her time with others. Nancy’s dry sense of humor brought joy to those around her, and her beautiful smile was infectious. Her warmth would make your day automatically better. An authentic spirit, Nancy saw the good in others and loved people for who they were.

Nancy was a strong and resilient individual, who worked hard and raised two daughters, Tracy, and Staci Rakow, from her first marriage. An introduction at a neighborhood watering hole kicked off a relationship that led to her second marriage with Robert “Bob” Pederson. Marrying on June 29, 1985, they had a son, James, and daughter, Jennifer, together. Nancy was a patient and devoted mother, giving her children unlimited love and unconditional support. She went on field trips, was a scout leader, and scheduled and transported her kids to countless athletic activities and doctor appointments.

Nancy worked in the Department of Transportation with the State of Wisconsin for 32 years. She enjoyed her work with the state and especially her coworkers, treasuring relationships that lasted beyond her retirement from the State in 2010. Nancy relished her newfound free time, letting her interests be her guide. Always a creative and crafty individual who kept her hands busy, Nancy made her own cards, crocheted, knitted, cross-stitched, and completed countless sewing projects over the decades. Her biggest artistic passion, however, was quilting. She took courses, organized quilt projects, coordinated or went on quilting retreats, and more. Throughout her quilting journey, she loved meeting new people and forging new friendships, particularly those through the Monona Monday Morning Quilters and the Mad City Quilt Guild. She gave many of her creations to family and friends, as well as to local organizations, such as Project Linus. Nancy stitched a piece of her heart into every quilt.

In her free time, Nancy loved “going bumming” and checking out car shows with Bob. She enjoyed watching sports - especially baseball, football, or basketball.  Home-talent league baseball in Cottage Grove was a summer weekend highlight. Nancy also savored going to lunch with other State of Wisconsin retirees, family, and friends.

An avid reader, Nancy always had a book nearby and was ready to dive into a good story - especially if the book happened to be a romance novel. With more time dedicated to quilting, she also enjoyed perusing quilting magazines.

Nancy was preceded in death by her daughter, Staci Rakow; and her parents, Florence “Toots” and Maurice “Mory” Phelps. Nancy is survived by her husband, Bob Pederson; son, James Pederson; daughter, Jennifer Pederson; daughter, Tracy (Rakow) Ambrose; grandson, Thomas Corbett; and multiple other family members.

Family and friends are invited to say a final goodbye to Nancy at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022. Masks are required and social distancing will be enforced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be distributed to the Monona Senior Center and the Wisconsin Parkinson’s Association. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420