Nancy Elizabeth Appen, 84, died Monday, Aug. 27, 2012, of complications from respiratory illness.
A graveside memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at Jonesboro Cemetery, and a future celebration event in Rockledge, Fla., in the fall.
Nancy was born in Jonesboro, to Mildred and P.G. York. She attended Jonesboro High School, graduating first in her class. She attended Appalachian State University and then earned her nursing degree from Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, specializing in psychiatric nursing at Duke Hospital, Wuesthoff Memorial Hospital, and Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst.
Nancy was a loving mother to her four children, Ray, Terry, Allyson and Lindy. She had a special place in her heart for animals, which was manifested in their collection of chickens, dogs, ducks, gerbils, guinea pigs, squirrels, rabbits, cats, seagulls, snakes and birds — some of which came to the Appen household as rescues and others as pets.
Nancy was always quite active in her children’s schools, whether it involved supporting the PTA or driving her kids to countless sports practices. She was an avid swim team “mom,” and all of her children went on to become lifelong athletes.
Nancy developed close friendships in the medical communities in both Brevard County, Fla., and Moore County. She was known for never forgetting a birthday or anniversary and never ceased to seek out ways to help other people. Her support of her friends was constant, and her love for her children was absolute.
A lifelong Presbyterian, Nancy was affiliated with Jonesboro Presbyterian Church, Rockledge Presbyterian Church, and West End Presbyterian Church, and volunteered regularly.
Nancy is survived by her four children and their spouses; her brother Glenn York and sister-in-law, Evelyn; her sister Mary Edna Lawrence and brother-in-law, Fred; seven grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Seven Lakes EMS (Rescue Squad), or the NC Yorkie Rescue, www.ncyorkie
rescue.org.
Online condolences may be made at www.boles
funeralhome.com.
Boles Funeral Home of Seven Lakes is assisting the family.
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