Nancy Torgerson, 64, of St. Anthony, MN, passed away on July 31, 2022, comforted by family.

Nancy, born on January 9, 1958, was soon adopted by Morris & Kathryn Torgerson and grew up in Velva, ND.  A spirited child, Nancy brought a sharp wit and quick laughter into the world.  Nancy went on to graduate from Velva High School in 1976.  Soon after, she gave birth to her only son, Jesse, who became her pride and joy.  After studying cosmetology at Josef's, she built a loyal clientele at several salons in Minot, ND, eventually moving herself and Jesse there in 1987.  When her son started high school in 1991, Nancy started taking classes at Minot State University.  Determined to graduate college when Jesse would be graduating high school, Nancy took an ambitious slate of classes, including summer sessions, all while working full-time and attending all of Jesse's activities.  Getting her bachelor's degree in Sociology was a genuine source of pride for Nancy.  

Upon graduation, Nancy began working in the customer service industry, first for Gateway Computers, and ultimately for Time Warner Cable's digital phone services.  That role took her to Austin, TX, where she developed a love for barbecue, and enjoyed holiday visits with Jesse and his now-husband, Todd Roudabush, who lived in Minneapolis, MN.  

Nancy was diagnosed with a chronic form of leukemia in the early 2000s, and in 2011, made the decision to move to Minnesota to be closer to family, and the expert care of the Mayo Clinic.  Her beloved cat, Zen, also made the trip.  In Minnesota, she was an active volunteer at the Hopkins and St. Louis Park Public Libraries, and she enjoyed being part of the weekend "Breakfast Club" with Jesse and Todd.  Weekly outings became a treasured tradition, and annual trips to see other parts of the country together were cherished.  Signing the wedding certificate for Jesse and Todd was one of her proudest moments as a mother.

When Jesse took a job in Columbus, OH, Nancy also moved with her boys.  She found wonderful neighbors and friends, and enjoyed the new adventure Ohio had to offer...including all the new breakfast options!  In 2021, Jesse and Todd planned a return to Minneapolis, and Nancy again followed-suit, setting up a beautiful condo in the suburb of St. Anthony, again turning many new neighbors into new friends.

Nancy was an immensely proud and loving mother to Jesse, and treated Todd as her own.  She was also a fiercely loyal friend to many, and enjoyed long phone conversations with people near and far.  She considered Jesse and Todd's friends to be "her kids", and loved to laugh and share a coffee or Bloody Mary with them.  An avid reader to the end, she loved the infinite options of the library...reading on her sun porch with Zen at her side.  She also valued her quiet time, and her independence. 

The hole left by her absence is impossible to fill.  Nancy was predeceased by her parents.  She is survived by her son, Jesse, son-in-law, Todd, several cousins, friends, and friends she considered family.   In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Nancy’s name to PetSmart Charities.  A small private service will occur at a later date.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/nancy-torgerson/obituary/

Copy