Nancy Chisholm

Nancy Anne LeVasseur Chisholm, 90, died on October 12, 2023, in White Bear Lake, MN. She was surrounded by her loving husband of 65 years and three of her seven children. Always passionate for music, Nancy passed away quietly singing until her very last breath.

Nancy was born in White Bear Lake, on July 11, 1933, to loving parents Lawrence Prosper and Rose Angela. Two years later she welcomed her sister and dearest friend Karen Rose. Together they grew, surrounded by their large extended Catholic family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Nancy graduated as salutatorian from White Bear High School in 1951, an accomplished pianist and a clarinet player in the marching band.  She continued on to Marquette University to earn her bachelor’s degree in English and Elementary Education in 1955. She taught second and third grade for four years in South St. Paul, MN and Milwaukee, WI.

Nancy dedicated her life each day to God as wife of an Army doctor and stay-at-home mother of seven. Her faith sustained her through the trials and joys of day-to-day life.  Nancy loved music, art, reading, poetry, and travel.  She grew up swimming and sailing, and had a deep appreciation for Mother Earth. She taught religious education, was active in the officer’s wives club at four different Army posts around the U.S. and in Germany, and co-authored her autobiography, A Blessed Life. Along with her husband, she was a member of Women Against Military Madness (WAMM) and an associate member of Veterans for Peace.  In her retirement years, she actively demonstrated her belief in peace by standing on street corners holding signs, often in sub-zero temperatures.

Nancy leaves behind her devoted husband, Thomas Patrick Chisholm, M.D. and her “greatest accomplishments,” her children, Margo, Tom, Anne, Patrick (Cathy), Clare (David), Christopher (Kim), and Molly (Neil). She also leaves fifteen grandchildren (Tommy, David, Marifer, Frida, Jacquelyn, Andrew, Sahale, Cian, Timothy, Zachary, Aaron, Angela, Ethan, James, and Rebecca) and two great-grandchildren (Carson and Elias). She also is survived by her brothers-in-law, George Merth and David R. Chisholm III, her sister-in-law Kitty Chisholm and husband Art Van Meggelen, her many nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear and loyal friends that her warm and loving nature endeared to her.

Nancy has joined numerous ancestors, including her beloved father, mother, and sister, singing and dancing through eternity with Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and a chorus of saints.

 Her long, well-travelled life will be celebrated with a funeral Mass at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in White Bear Lake, MN on November 20, 2023, at 11:00 AM, preceded by a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Following Mass, a reception with lunch, music and stories will be held at Mueller Memorial White Bear Lake Chapel across the street from the church. In her honor, please make donations to Veterans For Peace, Women Against Military Madness, or another peace organization of your choosing.