Nancy Merbach

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, Nancy Merbach, who passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday afternoon, July 16, in Centennial, Colorado. Nancy was a brilliant, compassionate, and thoughtful woman whose gentle spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She possessed a remarkable intellect, a warm sense of humor, and an extraordinary ability to listen without judgment. Nancy had a way of making people feel truly seen, heard, and loved.

Nancy was born in Northfield, Minnesota, and graduated from Beatrice High School in Nebraska, class of 1971, before pursuing her lifelong love of learning. She attended Iowa State University and the University of South Carolina before earning her Bachelor of Arts in English and an MA in Education from the University of Northern Colorado. She later continued her graduate studies at the University of Denver, just one semester shy of completing a Doctorate in Psychology. Her curiosity, intelligence, and passion for education never left her.

Music was one of Nancy's greatest joys. Her tastes reflected an eclectic and adventurous spirit, from Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and The Velvet Underground to Daft Punk, Echo & the Bunnymen, and Fatboy Slim. In her twenties, Nancy combined her love of music with a fascination for sound technology, becoming an expert in high-end audio equipment and working as a respected salesperson in the industry. She was also an avid reader who enjoyed the works of Philip Roth and Tom Wolfe, and Nancy found happiness in cooking, caring for plants, and showering love on the kitty-cats she cherished throughout her life, especially Ricky and Lili.

Life presented Nancy with health challenges, yet through it all she remained kind, resilient, and deeply loved. Later in life, it was an honor to serve as her guardian and to walk beside her through those difficult years. We will always treasure our conversations, her wisdom, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. We are especially grateful to our sister Diane, whose nursing knowledge, compassion, and unwavering support helped guide Nancy's care with dignity and grace. Nancy was more than a sister. She was a second mom, a confidante, and one of the kindest people one could have known. It was the greatest honor of our lives to care for her in her later years, just as she had cared for us in so many ways. We will miss her every day but take comfort in knowing she is finally at peace.

Nancy is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Doug Merbach & Becky Miller of Garner, Iowa; her sister and brother-in-law, Diane & Adam Cabrera; sister Teri Merbach; nephew, Adam Cabrera Jr.; and niece, Mara Cabrera, all of Denver, Colorado. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Magda & Marvin Merbach, and her sister, Evelyn Berglund.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in believing that Nancy is now at peace, reunited with Mom and Dad. We imagine her surrounded by love, music, and light — finally free from the burdens she carried for so long. Rest well, sweet Nancy. You were deeply loved, and you will be forever missed. We will carry your memory in our hearts always.

In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation in Nancy's name to Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA) or to RAINN