Foley, Minnesota
Nancy Elwell passed away peacefully at home with family by her side Oct. 19, 2023. Nancy was born Aug. 30, 1950, in St. Cloud to the late Andrew and Geraldine (Keehr) Carter. She grew up in the Hillman area where she attended school and graduated from Onamia High School with the nickname “Smiley”. She was united in marriage to Dennis Elwell Sept. 22, 1987. The couple farmed in Oak Park for many years.
Nancy was a homemaker who was very proud of her family, a farmer who laughed at goats, a massage therapist who helped countless people and preferred a good challenge; she was a master gardener who would answer any vegetable- or fruit-related question but not so much when asked about ornamentals. Nancy was an active member and officer of Foley Women of Today, and she coordinated an annual craft day through local 4-H for many years.
She enjoyed good food! “Always eat dessert first, you can always bring leftovers home.” She traveled extensively, always meeting new friends while embracing the unique cultures and environments that make us different. Nancy lived by the Diana Perez quote: “Life is too short to live the same day twice.”
She is survived by husband Dennis Elwell; daughter Tammy Elwell; son Jeffrey Elwell (Diana Lindsley); brothers Keith Carter (Linda Carter), Randy Carter; nieces Teri Carter-Sauer (Justin Sauer) and Crystal Croft (Devin Croft); grandchildren Michael Siegler (Andrea Siegler); Spencer Elwell (Chloe Elwell); Madison Elwell (Carter deNeui); and great-grandchildren Malachi, Magnus, Alma, and Adeline Siegler.
Nancy saw the spark in people and often adopted people into her life as siblings. She would debate anyone vigorously if someone disproved. Additional family include sisters Marybeth Juetten, Marie Madgwick, Karen Kampa and Karolyn Brenny; brother John Brenny; niece BethyJo Murphy; and nephews Jakob and Edison Madgwick.
Proceeded in death by her parents Andrew and Geraldine (Keehr) Carter; brothers Andy Carter, Billy Carter; sister Patsy Peterson; and nephew Andrew Carter.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.
F-44-1B
