Nancy S. Hansford

**Nancy Hansford: A Life Well-Lived**

Nancy Hansford, born on March 3, 1943, in Denver, Colorado, passed away peacefully July 6, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. As the eldest daughter of H. D. and Ruth Staner, Nancy's life was marked by a vibrant blend of passion, deep devotion to her family, community and seizing each day as the gift it is.

Nancy's journey began in Denver, CO where she spent most of her childhood. She attended Denver South High School and later pursued a degree in Business Administration at the University of Denver. It was here, amidst her studies and her involvement with the Phi Gamma Nu Sorority, that she met the love of her life, Bruce Hansford. Their love story began on a blind date, and they were married in a joyous ceremony on August 22, 1964, at Lakewood Methodist Church. This August would mark their 60th wedding anniversary.

Nancy and Bruce's life together was a testament to enduring love and shared dreams. They moved frequently to support Bruce's career, establishing welcoming homes in Casper, WY; Helena, MT; Cheyenne, WY; Estes Park, Evergreen, and Fort Collins, CO. Throughout these moves, Nancy's adaptability and individuality shone brightly. She consistently found ways to express her passion for writing with local newspapers and for specific projects as a freelance writer. She became the owner/publisher of Fort Collins Business World magazine, and wrote and published two books.

Nancy's role as a wife and mother was the cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted partner to Bruce, supporting him as he built his career and ensuring a nurturing environment for their children, Brian and Cynthia. Her love for her family was boundless, and she was actively involved in their lives, from school meetings to sports events and music lessons and performances. Nancy's children remember her as a supportive, accepting and encouraging presence who instilled in them incredible life lessons, a love for writing and music, and the gift of being able to find and appreciate beauty in living every day.

Nancy's grandchildren, Benjamin and Conner, held a special place in her heart. She encouraged Benjamin's innovative endeavors and shared her love for reading with Conner. Her optimism and enthusiasm for life were infectious, and she cherished the time spent with her grandsons, teaching them valuable skills like playing poker and exploring their imaginations.

Beyond her family, Nancy was a "connector" and an active participant in her community. She loved bringing people together. She created and joined various groups, including writing workshops, book clubs, and social gatherings like poker nights and girls' night out. Her love for the written word extended to teaching in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program at Colorado State University, where she shared her passion for literature with local authors and mystery book enthusiasts.

Nancy's life was a beautiful tapestry of love, creativity, and resilience. She overcame challenges with an optimistic, forgiving and positive nature, never allowing circumstances to define her. Her adventurous spirit and moxie were evident in the way she approached life, always ready to explore new possibilities and embrace the unknown.

Nancy is survived by her beloved husband, Bruce; her son Brian and daughter-in-law Elizabeth, her grandsons Benjamin and Conner; her daughter Cynthia, son-in-law Derek, and Cindy Sue, a cherished part of the Hansford family for 24 years; and her sister Gail – along with numerous dear friends. Nancy's legacy of love, wisdom and joyful living will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In her own words, Nancy reminds us to "ransack from the ages, learn from the past," and to embrace continuous improvement, recognizing that even a small change can make a significant difference. We honor Nancy's remarkable life with deep love and appreciation, celebrating the joy and love she brought into our lives.

A Celebration of Life for Nancy will be held on Thursday, July 25th, 2024, at 1:00pm at Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Fort Collins CO 80524. Memorial contributions may be made to OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) by going to https://give.colostate.edu/campaigns/44680/donations/new