Nancy Boettner, 82, our beloved wife, mom, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, died on Dec. 12.
Mrs. Boettner was the eldest child of Phyllis and Peter Gostomski and enjoyed a typical Yankee childhood in LaSalle, Ill. She was an excellent student and a lifelong learner, which earned her multiple scholarship opportunities for college. In an act of bravery, she chose to attend Tulane’s Sophie Newcomb College on the planet of New Orleans. She would later recall how she thought she would die when she stepped off the train into the oppressive Louisiana heat and humidity. (She eventually learned that New Orleans is sultry, not humid, and became a naturalized Southerner).
In 1960, in another act of bravery, Nancy married Barry Boettner, the love of her life. They were married for 63 years. They moved to Cleveland, Tenn., and together they successfully raised their five children: Bill, Cathy, Brad, Mike, and David. This adventure over the years took them to Birmingham, Ala., Lake Charles, La., back to Cleveland, to Montreal, and finally back again to Cleveland.
Mrs. Boettner’s children learned from her that love is at the center of every vocation. No matter what you do, the love of God and love for each other will ensure you are headed in the right direction. Mrs. Boettner always tried to show her love to family and friends even in the midst of constant physical pain. Her body was frail, but her love was strong.
Mr. and Mrs. Boettner have been members of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, which has been the center of their lives in Cleveland, and where they met and shared life with many of their friends. Over the years at St. Thérèse, Mrs. Boettner taught religious education, attended Bible studies, and served in the Newcomers Ministry. She cared for her wider community by volunteering for Meals on Wheels and supporting Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.
Mrs. Boettner’s ability to excel working at new endeavors and desire to learn was a constant. Once her children were older, she obtained a real estate license and bought her very own Buick with the proceeds. The various kids each wrecked the Buick, but mostly Bill and David. Later she learned to prepare taxes and began working for H&R Block. This led to the decision to open C & N Taxes with her good friend, Carol Battocchio. She continued to do taxes and accounting for special clients (like her children) for decades. She was passionate and talented about many things, such as chemistry, cooking, painting, sewing, quilting, gardening, and cross-stitching.
Over the years, Mr. and Mrs. Boettner became grandparents to seven grandchildren. They (again, bravely!) hosted “Cousin Camp” for their grandchildren when they were small. Mrs. Boettner’s grandchildren will always remember her care, thoughtfulness, and love in action for them. They also all agree that she had the best laugh ever, one that made you feel at home and warm just hearing it.
Mrs. Boettner is survived by her husband Barry; her five children, Bill Boettner (Sandra) of Huntsville, Ala., Cathy Barrett (Keith) of Cleveland, Brad Boettner (Tina) of Bloomington, Ind., Mike Boettner (Cathy) of Georgetown, Tenn., and Father David Boettner of Knoxville; seven grandchildren, Tyler Barrett, Hope Zelmer (Ben), Chris Boettner, Ash Boettner, Eric Boettner, Jarod Boettner, and Jackson Boettner; and one great-granddaughter, Anne Zelmer; her brother, Paul Gostomski (Jean) of Pipe Creek, Texas; and her sister, Carol Newman of Peru, Ill.
Mrs. Boettner will be deeply missed by all who had the joy of knowing her. We will remember her love, and we will pray for her until we meet again.
A funeral Mass was celebrated on Dec. 18 at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church, with Father David Boettner, rector of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, serving as the celebrant. Father Mike Nolan, pastor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, was the principal concelebrant. Bishop Ronald Hicks, bishop of the Diocese of Joliet, Ill., and Bishop Robert Casey, V.G., auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago, attended the funeral Mass in choir.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church or to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, Tenn.
