Nancy A. Searl

Nancy A. Searl

March 19, 1941 – August 2, 2020

Survived by husband of 58 years, John: children: Scott Searl (Molly), Chris Searl (Meg), Jeff Searl (Katie), Beth DiMeo (John) Julie LaCamera (Jeff); 19 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren, brother, John Wright (Pat); sister, Mary Beth Howell (John).

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, August 5th at 10am at St John at Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza.  Interment: Calvary Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to Jesuit Academy, Marian High School, or Creighton Prep.

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Nancy Ann Searl passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on August 2, 2020 at the age of 79.  She was the beloved wife of John A. Searl, whom she married on September 1, 1961; loving mother of her five children, J. Scott Searl (Molly), Chris Searl (Meg), Jeff Searl (Katie), Beth DiMeo (John), and Julie LaCamera (Jeff); adored grandmother of nineteen grandchildren, Lea Bredin (Bob), Nolan Searl (Kim), Colin Searl, Jack Searl, Paige Searl, Nick Searl (Sydney), Ben Searl, Joe Searl, Tom Searl, Emily Searl, Andy Searl, John DiMeo, Luke DiMeo, Mia DiMeo, Megan DiMeo, Ross LaCamera, Mark LaCamera, Grace LaCamera, and Adam LaCamera; sweet great-grandmother of Beckett and Sienna Bredin (Lea), Sloan and Maeve Searl (Nolan), and Winnie Searl (Nick); loved daughter of the late Arthur J. and Kathryn Wright; cherished sister of Mary Beth Howell (John) and John “Jack” A. Wright (Pat); and fond aunt, cousin, and dear friend to so many.         

Nancy was born in Detroit, Michagan on March 19, 1941. Throughout her life, Michigan held a special place in her heart because of her early years there and many visits during her life to see grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Shortly after her brother Jack was born, the family moved to Wichita, Kansas where Nancy’s sister, Mary Beth, joined the family before moving to Omaha, Nebraska.  She loved Omaha and took pride in showing off its best to visiting family and friends.  The Wright family settled into the Benson area and Nancy was a member of the first graduating class from Marian High School (1959).  During her high school years, she had her first date with John who was attending Holy Name High School.        

Family was important to Nancy.  As a mom, she expressed unconditional love for her family, creating a fun and caring home for the ‘Searl 7’.  Nancy did this through many small, daily acts of kindness, memorable camping trips, homecooked meals, “Family Fun Night,” special birthday cakes, and family holiday traditions. Her grandchildren will forever remember “Cousins Camp,” held at John and Nancy’s house for many summers which included zoo visits, yard games, huge bowls of candy, movies, and tea parties. Nancy expressed her love through her cooking, conversations, and quilts.  The quilts she made for John, kids, and grandkids are very special expressions of her love that will remain as a comfort and a reminder of Nancy.  Her friends in the Quilt Group and Wings Prayer Group also were cherished by Nancy as part of the important network around her that provided her with support and love.

Justice and service were guiding principles in Nancy’s life.  She was committed to helping people in this world beyond her immediate family. She did this in very hands-on and personal ways including knitting many hundreds of hats that were donated to the Pine Ridge Reservation and other organizations.  Nancy created beautiful quilts that she donated for auctions, giveaways, and groups focused on social justice.  She also committed to serving the broader community, most notably through her very active participation in the political process.  Her work on President Obama’s campaigns was an inspiration to many and so rewarding for her. She wanted to be known as a proud democrat!

Nancy had a unique gift for getting to know her family and friends at an individual level.  She readily could recall what was going on in a person’s life and took sincere interest in asking about friends, jobs, and life.  In these interactions Nancy fostered genuine relationships.  She preferred to keep the focus on others and in that spirit, Nancy asked that we not eulogize her publicly, but rather that each of us take a few moments now or later to remember her in our own way.

 

 

 

 

14 Comments

  • Kevin/Julie Zuroski Posted August 4, 2020 7:51 am

    Chris and family, Our sincere condolences for your loss. It is never easy losing a parent. We only got to know Nancy these last few years and am glad we did. She was always so kind and loved to chat with us. You are in our thoughts and prayers especially now during these difficult times.

  • Tom Tilden Posted August 5, 2020 8:16 am

    I am so sorry! I had the opportunity to get to know Nancy while we were volunteering for the Obama re-election in 2012. I will miss her, and I will miss her passion for making our government work better for al of us.

  • Martha Wight Posted August 5, 2020 8:27 am

    Enthusiastic campaigner. Inspired by her love of life.

  • Theresa Shepard Posted August 5, 2020 2:05 pm

    A grand lady. Once when she and I were canvassing for a candidate, a resident became irate and–using some “choice” words–demanded we never step close to his property again. The temptation would’ve been to use some other “choice” words in response; however, Nancy remained calm and reminded me of Michelle Obama’s quote, “When they go low, we go high.” That applies to everything in life–work, family, social interactions, politics. Nancy walked the talk. Peace, dear Nancy.

  • Jon Miller Posted August 7, 2020 6:12 am

    God bless her and all of you. Nancy was such a wonderful lady. Look at the amazing family she created! Always in our prayers

  • Steve Sidner Posted August 7, 2020 6:17 am

    I worked with Nancy on progressive politics. Smart and energetic. Kind and friendly. I will miss her.

  • Kirk Stanzel Posted August 7, 2020 10:00 am

    John,
    So sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you & your family. May Nancy rest in peace.
    I remember when you & Nancy started dating , the entire 8th grade basketball team at St Bernarfs thought for sure “coach” was dating ” Miss America “.
    John , thanks for being such a positive influence on our lives. You were so much more than just a basketball coach. God bless.

    Kirk Stanzel
    Omaha

  • Gloria Brodkey Posted August 9, 2020 7:24 am

    Nancy was a tireless volunteer in the Obama campaign, so dedicated to the cause and more than willing to include me in events at her home and driving me to others. I cherished her friendship. I will miss her and wish her eternal peace,

  • Joan Killingsworth Posted August 25, 2020 6:19 am

    Nancy was one of the kindest, funniest, and hardest working people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. I am so saddened at the news of her loss. It was an honor watching her find her political voice, and turn it into action, over the past 12 years. Couple that with her absolute devotion to John and their family, her church, her countless friends, and there was no way to not fall in love with all that Nancy was and all that Nancy stood for. She will be terribly missed by us all and I am so proud to call her my friend and political sister! Love you, Nancy! ❤️

  • Jeff Klug Posted August 26, 2020 6:43 am

    Dear Chris and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • Marty Hosking Posted August 26, 2020 3:59 pm

    Nancy was a delight—always kind, interested in everything and engaged always. I was so lucky to work with her and John as they sold their home last fall. Even though she wasn’t always feeling well, she never lost the spark, the enthusiasm and work ethic—she and John created a beautiful home–and she worked just as hard to make it ready for the market–and clearly cared about leaving it great for the next young family that bought it. I always was aware growing up that Nancy was generous—contributing many hours of work to support Prep and our activities. I didn’t see her until some years later. But she made me feel that we were always connected. So those fun weeks I spent helping sell the house? She made me feel like a longtime friend. And OH YES she was voting for Biden!! I will miss you Nancy—you were a friend and an example of faith in action, love for neighbor and for the poor and disenfranchised.

  • Judy Saniuk Pfeifer Posted August 3, 2021 11:44 am

    Chris, your Mother was a kind and lovely woman, and our Mother spoke of her fondly. It was nice to read of her many interests in the Obituary and I would add “Creator of Nansoons” in the 80s. I regret I cannot celebrate her life with you on Thursday but I am keeping you in my thoughts.

  • Laura Chapman Scholten & Alice Chapman Posted August 4, 2021 11:53 am

    Your mother was a lovely woman, and the news of her passing saddened us all. Wishing condolences from our family to yours.

  • Rob and Elisha Wright Posted August 4, 2021 9:27 pm

    I will always remember our dear Aunt Nancy with a big smile on her face, a contagious laugh and a warm hug waiting to greet you every time. I have so many fond memories of being together with her at family gatherings. She had a unique ability to make everyone around her feel special and will be greatly missed. We love you!

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