Nancy Rae Brazell, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt and grandmother passed peacefully April 28, 2015 at the age of 76.
In 1987 Nancy was diagnosed with Lupus. The disease plagued her with seizures and strokes until the end.
Nancy was born on December 21 at the family home in Ogilvie, Minnesota. In 1949 the Bystrom family moved to Tofte, Minnesota. Nancy graduated from Cook County High School in 1956.
She married the love of her life on July 13, 1957. Bobby Don and Nancy were wed at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Grand Marais, which is now the Grand Marais Art Colony
When her sons were young Nancy was active at the Catholic Church and taught Sunday school.
Nancy was a compassionate person who took care of aging family members.
For 20-plus years Nancy was a mail carrier on the Gunflint Trail. She started by substituting for her fatherin law Don Brazell who was the first mail carrier on the Gunflint. The family tradition of the mail route continued when her son Donnie took over when she was unable to work.
Travelling the Gunflint Trail allowed Nancy to indulge in her passion of photography in which she found beauty in landscapes. She especially loved to photograph clouds.
Many happy times were spent at the family cabin on Greenwood Lake. Being with her husband and family was her greatest joy. Her grandchildren were the light of her life.
On November 29, 2014 Nancy was preceded in death by her son Donovan Ray. She is also preceded by brother Richard (Linda) Bystrom, brother-in-law Bill Spinner, father Ray and mother Ruby Bystrom, infant brother Donald.
She is survived by her devoted husband Bobby Don; son Mickey and wife Dee of Grand Marais; daughter Susan (Darrell Splett) of Thunder Bay; three sisters Marilyn Berglund (Lloyd) of Cannon Falls, Minnesota, Dolly Quaife (Mike) of Grand Marais, Ruthey Spinner of Michigan; grandchildren Darin Brazell, Jorey (Malorie) Brazell, Kya Brazell, Hattie and Karlie Splett and many nieces and nephews.
As per Nancy’s wishes there will not be a public service. A family service will be held for burial at St. John’s Cemetery.
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