Nancy C. Trygg

Nancy C. Trygg, 76, Grand Forks, ND, died Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at home under Hospice Care.  After a seven year battle with cancer, she passed away peacefully while surrounded by family members.

Nancy Catherine Schommer was born March 14, 1942 at Winona, MN, the daughter of Joseph and Marion (Lynch) Schommer. The family lived in Rochester, MN until moving to Grand Forks in 1957. Nancy graduated from Grand Forks St. James High School in 1960.

Nancy married James Trygg on May 12, 1962 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Grand Forks, MN. The couple lived in Grand Forks.  Nancy was a beloved wife, mother and homemaker.  She had many jobs throughout the years, but her favorites were those spent working with and around children and students.  Although small in stature, she was big in personality.  Perhaps better known by many former Roosevelt Elementary School students as “The Playground Lady,” Nancy enjoyed working as a paraprofessional assisting students and staff.  While there, she used some of her many creative abilities to paint backdrops for school performances. Nancy also worked in several other roles including as a Reader, Library Assistant, and Tutor at South Jr., Valley Jr. and Central High School in Grand Forks.

Her family and especially her four grandchildren were very special to her. “G-ma Nancy” traveled often to watch countless soccer games, orchestra concerts, tennis matches, dance recitals, cheerleading competitions and Special Olympics events with pride, excitement and enthusiasm!  Her laughs, hugs and smiles will be greatly missed. 

Nancy enjoyed reading, crafting, decorating her home and music.  She loved to work in her gardens, tending her flowers and bird watching. Besides knitting, crocheting and sewing she also had an incredible talent for artistic quilting, which became a passion in her life. A house was not a home unless it had something made by Nancy, or a display of her handiwork with cloth and fabric.  Her network of friends grew wider while she was active in the Northstar quilters guild.   She often donated custom made quilts to charities for children, and won awards with many of her colorful quilted artworks. While fighting cancer she continued to quilt for as long as she could. With help, and sheer willpower, Nancy continued to cut, design and sew fabric into keepsakes for family members and others. 

Nancy stayed physically and socially active by joining the “Silver Sneakers” at the YMCA where she made some very close friendships. Eventually some mobility limitations kept Nancy from attending, but she was able to get in one last workout class recently.  While there among friends, she moved to the music from her wheel chair.  That session was followed by a truly memorable trip to Caribou Coffee with her “gang!”

Survivors include her husband, Jim, Grand Forks; son, Michael (Terri) Trygg of Halstad, MN; daughter Cathy Foy (Kurt Muus) of Grand Forks; grandchildren Ryan Trygg, Chicago, IL;  Katie Trygg, Minneapolis, MN; Breanna and Meghan Foy, Grand Forks; siblings, Carol Seitz, Fredericksburg, VA; Janet (Mike) Vary, Florence, AZ; Joan (Mike) Gerard, and Patrick (Debbie) Schommer, St. Louis, MO; Susan (Jim) Rouggly, Bonne Terre, MO and many nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and by a sister, Judy.

The family wishes to acknowledge Altru Cancer Center, Altru Hospice and Comfort Keepers of Grand Forks for all of their tremendous care and wonderful support.  Nancy’s journey was made possible and peaceful only because of the professionals and exceptional caregivers tending to her needs and to her entire family.  We thank you and may God bless you.       

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Altru Hospice and Special Olympics of North Dakota.

A Celebration of Nancy’s life will be November 16^th at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks. Visitation is 4-6pm followed by a 6 PM prayer service.