Adams 1947 Nancy E (Bartol) Darnell

May 5, 1929 - March 12, 2017

Condolences

SOUTH BEND - Nancy Ellen Bartol Darnell, 87, of South Bend, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Sunday afternoon. She was surrounded by her children and died peacefully at home with the sunlight streaming through the window. She was cared for her last days by her son and daughter and devoted granddaughter, the nurses from hospice, and some beautiful women caregivers who became part of our family! Mom was above all a loving mother to Debbie and David and loving grandmother to Cassie and Carly.

Nancy is survived by her son, David Darnell, her daughter, Debbie Darnell Keiser (Michael), granddaughters, Carly Keiser Pantoja (Joe), Cassie Keiser Register, (Mark), and great-grandson, Ashton Michael Register. She is also survived by her beloved and devoted dog, Danny. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Henry Bartol, and Bess Richards Bartol, and her brother, Robert Bartol.

Nancy was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, but has been a lifelong resident of South Bend. She graduated from John Adams High School, and earned her education degree from Depauw University. She was a teacher at Beiger Elementary School in Mishawaka and a second grade teacher at McKinley Elementary School in South Bend. She also ran a nursery school in her basement for two years.

Nancy was a kind, loving and gracious soul who always made everyone feel welcome in her home. She loved to entertain and gave fabulous parties with home cooked food, seemingly without effort. Above all, she was a devoted mother to her children who were the center of her life. She loved spending time in her garden and was an avid gardner. Her gardens were always stunning, with plenty of flowers to fill the inside of her home too. Nancy was a gourmet cook and loved to experiment with new dishes for her family. She has always been an animal lover, caring for many dogs over her lifetime. She loved to read and always had a new book in her hand. She spent many years playing bridge with her friends and being a member of bridge club. Nancy has passed all these loves to her children and grandchildren and the world is better place because of it!

A celebration of Nancy's life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of South Bend, 333 West Colfax Avenue, on Friday, March 17, at 11:00 AM, with greeting of the family in the church parlor from 10:00-11:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Pet Refuge of South Bend, DePauw University, and Hospice of Saint Joseph County. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune on Mar. 15, 2017

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