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In memory of

Nancy Jane Gilman

Las Vegas, NV, USA

May 20, 1946 - July 24, 2020

May 20, 1946 - Jul 24, 2020

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Nancy Jane (Haas) Gilman, 74, of Las Vegas, Nevada passed away peacefully with a smile on her face Friday, July 24, 2020.

The legendary Nancy Gilman was born May 20, 1946 in Perry, Iowa. She and her younger brother, Marty, were raised in her beloved hometown of Perry, Iowa. She met her husband, Tom, when he moved to Perry their senior year of high school. They dated throughout college and were married June 8, 1968 in Perry, Iowa. Nancy graduated from Perry High School in 1964 and the University of Northern Iowa in 1968. She was one of the first people to receive a special education degree. Nancy and Cher share the same birthday and year and she loved to tell people they were twins separated at birth. Nancy is still best friends with many of her Perry friends that she was raised with.

Nancy taught in Des Moines, Iowa while Tom attended medical school. Nancy touched so many students lives. Many of her students had complicated needs. Nancy took these students in as family and saw their needs. She would often bring students home for holidays and help provide stability in their lives.

Nancy never met a stranger. She loved people and was one of the most giving people. If you needed anything, you could count on Nancy. She lifted people up with her smile, joy and humor. She loved to throw a party, listen to music, dance, play bridge with her friends, play games with her family and loved a good prank. Nancy loved her friends and included them as family. She was loyal and caring, always sending a card or calling to check on you.

Nancy and Tom moved to Syracuse, NY for Tom’s residency at Syracuse University. Nancy taught inner city youth again and impacted so many lives. They had their first child, daughter, Kate and their second child, son, Timothy during this time. Nancy struggled with infertility and she and Tom were thrilled to have their children.

Nancy and Tom moved to Mason City, Iowa for Tom to start his career in 1977. They became Iowa Hawkeye season ticket holders and attended nearly every home game. Their third child, son, Greg was born in 1980 completing their family.

Nancy was very active in the community while raising their children. She served on many community boards and helped grow Francis Lauer Youth Shelter. Nancy served on the Mason City Community School Board for more than 10 years. Children and education were her passion. She lobbied legislation on behalf of education and children. She considered herself a Professional Volunteer. She was a proud member of PEO. She loved her children’s friends and always had an open door for them.

Nancy and Tom moved to Henderson, NV in 2000 where their daughter Kate was living and working. Nancy began teaching again at Bob Miller Middle School. Nancy was part of the inaugural staff and retired in 2015. She loved her students and the staff that she got to work with. She taught middle school children with special needs. Nancy poured hours into her students to set them up for success. She could teach and love anyone. Her gift was to know students needs and troubles and help them in the way they needed.

Nancy’s biggest joy was being Mom and Nana. She got to spend several wonderful years being a Nana and being involved with her grandchildren.

Nancy was proceeded in death by her husband, Tom Gilman, her father, James Haas, her mother, Diana Haas, her sister-in-law, Leslea Gilman, her cousin, Jane and many special friends. Nancy leaves behind her daughter, Kate Gilman of Las Vegas, NV, her son Tim (Jeflyn) Gilman of Bondurant, Iowa, her son Greg (Amanda) Gilman of Johnston, Iowa, her brother, Marty Haas of Johnston, Iowa, her sister-in-law’s Joni Rodriguez and Donna Potter of Des Moines, Iowa, her grandchildren Cameron, Malcolm, Grace, Lennon, Abbey, Lily, Kevi, Keely, Kash, Oliver and Emilia, her great grandchild Alex and his mom Kelsey, her cousins Jeff Foster, John Foster and Julie Gossett, her niece and nephews, her adopted daughter and caregiver Taneisha Taylor and so many special friends.

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