Nancy Brand

Brand, Nancy Lea

age 36, passed away peacefully on 1-30-04 after fighting a courageous 13 month battle with a brain tumor. She was born in St. Louis Park, MN and graduated from Dassel-Cokato High School in 1986. She became a Rotary Exchange student to Denmark, where she attended school and became fluent in Danish. She taught elementary school in the inner city of New Orleans through Teach for America. She received advanced degrees in Education and taught at several St. Paul Public Elementary Schools. She was most proud of her work in establishing the Gifted and Talented Program at Mississippi Creative Arts Magnet School. She enjoyed music, skiing, skating, travel and photography. She was blessed with many beautiful and life-long friendships formed in Cokato, St. Paul, Denmark, New Orleans adn Charlotte. She held these friendships very close to her heart. In 2001, she was blessed with the birth of beautiful daughter, Annika, and was devasted by the thought of leaving her. She is survived by her husband, Lars Smeenk; daughter, Annika; parents, Winfield and Muriel Brand; brothers, David (Cindee), Douglas, and Dean (Debbie). Memorial service Thursday, 4 PM (visitation 3 PM), Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 700 South Snelling, St. Paul.