Nancy Brownell

Nancy Brownell was born in Hammond, Indiana on Easter Sunday, March 28, 1937 and entered into heaven on August 26, 2017. She died peacefully with family and friends by her side.

She grew up in Valparaiso, Indiana, attended Colorado College, and married Jack Coombes in 1957 with whom she had three children. She lived for many years in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and also briefly lived in California.  She later married John Halaska and was a loving stepmother to his four children.

In 1984 Nancy moved to Colorado where she attended Arapahoe Community College, receiving a degree in kitchen and interior design. By returning to work later in life, she inspired many women and was a successful, hard-working and much-admired kitchen designer.

Nancy was a great cook and a wonderful homemaker. She had a real flair for home decorating and interior design. Her favorite colors were blue and yellow. Holidays and birthdays were always special occasions and were celebrated with many cherished traditions, a beautifully decorated home, colorfully wrapped presents and lots of great food (she made a fabulous apple pie). She loved reading, travel, needlepoint and was an avid golf and tennis fan. She was deeply patriotic, loved her country and keenly followed current events.

Survivors include her three children, Molly (Richard) Robertson, Keith (Roxi) Coombes, Hillary (Michael) Robben as well as five grandchildren and her sister Susan (Louie) Hirt and cousin Jim Brownell. 

Nancy was a long-time member of Smoky Hill United Methodist Church, where the memorial service will be held September 16 at 2:30pm. 19491 E. Smoky Hill Rd, Centennial, CO 80015. 303-690-9816. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org