Nancy Ann Brunner

Feb 9, 1941 -

Mar 6, 2020

Nancy Ann Brown Brunner passed away on March 6, 2020. After receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, Nancy never uttered a single complaint and faced her health challenges with a positive attitude and chose to enjoy each and every day with a cheery outlook. Her strength and positivity were an inspiration to us all. Nancy was born on Feb. 9, 1941, in Indianapolis, Ind. Nancy spent most of her youth in Indiana, until moving to Westlake, Ohio, in her teenage years. After graduating from high school in Ohio, Nancy attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, and earned a degree in speech pathology. After graduating from university, Nancy spent time traveling the world and eventually moved to Aspen, Colo. In Aspen, Nancy met and married Eberhard Brunner. In 1966, Nancy made her way to Anchorage, Alaska, seeking adventure. She fell in love with Alaska and made Anchorage her home for the rest of her life. Nancy raised two children, Bridget and Shannon, and was a small business owner. She owned and operated Eberhard's Sport Shop for more than 20 years, and worked for Nordstrom in Anchorage for many years. Nancy stayed busy raising her two daughters, spending significant time in Girdwood, where Nancy volunteered with the Alyeska Ski Club. Several friends from her ski community became lifelong friends with whom she had treasured friendships and many adventures big and small in Alaska. Nancy remained active in retirement, playing cards with her friends, participating in a book club, golfing, exploring Alaska on road trips and doting on her grandchildren. Nancy was an avid reader, was master of any kind of puzzle, was the ultimate grandmother - or Grammy as she was fondly referred to by her grandchildren - and enjoyed discussing politics and current events.

Nancy is survived by her two daughters, Bridget Brunner (Brian Totten) and Shannon (Brunner) Donley; son-in-law, Kevin Donley; her grandkids, Quincy and Finnigan Donley; her brother, Gary Brown; sister-in-law, Dawn Brown; and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers or donations, Nancy requested that everyone do something kind today and give someone a hug.

A special thanks to Nurse Beth and Providence Hospice for helping Nancy find comfort and allowing her to stay in her own home for her final days.