Nancy Lee Harrington

Nancy Lee Harrington, 92, of Sioux City, went to be with the Lord on July 16, 2025. 

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at First United Methodist Church with Reverend Roger Madden officiating. Visitation with the family will take place Friday, July 25, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Nancy was born January 27, 1933, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Rollin and Stella (Weseman) Holcomb. In February 1940, Nancy and her parents moved to Oelwein where her parents became owners/operators of the Pure Milk Dairy purchased from CJ Pollack.

An only child, at the age of four, Nancy won a Shirley Temple look-alike contest, the first of many moments that would showcase her joy and spirit. Carefree summers were often spent outdoors with friends lying on blankets searching for shapes and objects in the clouds, playing croquet in the yard, or hitting a tennis ball back and forth in the street. She and her father were often successful when searching for four-leaf clovers along the foundation of their home. Nancy often accompanied her mother to Cedar Rapids on frequent shopping adventures at Armstrongs and Killians department stores. 

A very friendly and outgoing girl, Nancy was very active in many clubs and organizations in high school. She was proud to be a majorette, a member of the Glee Club, The International Order of the Rainbow Girls, intramurals, and was once nominated for homecoming queen. Because she was the fastest typist in her class, Nancy was selected to work on Saturdays at the Oelwein Department of Motor Vehicles. She continued her education at Coe College in Cedar Rapids for two years where she studied psychology and was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. Nancy later worked in Cedar Rapids at Universal Credit Card Corporation.

In 1954, Nancy married Leonard Harrington of Hazelton, Iowa. Shortly after, the couple moved to Maquoketa, Iowa and in 1961, they relocated to Sioux City. Together they had three children; Susan, John and David. The couple later divorced. Nancy married Bud Torrey in 1983. They were together for 18 years.

Nancy was proud to be a homemaker raising her family. She loved her children as only a mother can. She was very involved with her children and their individual school activities, sports and interests.

While most of her time was devoted to raising her family, Nancy worked part time for the Sioux City Community School District where her dedication and kindness touched countless children’s lives. At M.G. Clark Elementary School, Nancy served lunches to the children and was delighted to be a playground aide. At Herbert Hoover Junior High School, Nancy, again, served lunches to the students. It was here during her employment that she met and made lifelong friends with the other coworkers.

 In 1983, Nancy began a new chapter with Bud, sharing a deep and meaningful relationship with the love of her life. Together, they spent many years traveling across the United States in their Pace Arrow motor home and enjoying time in Tucson, Arizona, where they were seasonal “snowbirds.” The couple immersed themselves in the Desert Southwest and developed friendships with many friends and family seeking refuge from the Midwest winters. 

Family was always Nancy’s greatest joy. She found boundless happiness in supporting her children, celebrating their accomplishments, and loving her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who affectionately called her 'Nana.' She filled her home with warmth, laughter, and the kind of steadfast love that made everyone feel special. Nancy loved animals and was especially fond of her childhood pet Duchess and the family pets Missy and Dutchess. Nancy will be remembered as a beautiful and stylish woman sporting her signature look wearing a small bow or flower clipped in her hair. 

Nancy’s life was also enriched by her many hobbies and community involvement. She LOVED playing cards! Bridge, Canasta, Spades, Hearts, Gin, or Cribbage, Nancy was always ready and willing! Nancy loved tending her flowers, especially her zinnias, riding her red Schwinn bicycle and playing golf at Sun Valley Golf Course. A woman of faith, Nancy was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, a member of UMWC Unity Circle and contributed her time to organizations such as the Red Hat Society, the Sioux City Women’s Club and a birthday club with church friends. Nancy was a longtime season ticket holder at the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra. For many years, on Friday nights, Nancy could be found enjoying dinner with her “Friday Night Girls” group of friends. 

She is survived by her children, Susan Hunnel (Ray) Sherman, Dakota Dunes, SD; John (Kim Miyoshi) Harrington, Danville, CA; and David (James Munn) Harrington, Palm Springs, CA; grandchildren; Sara Hunnel (Josh) Majorka, Arlington, TX; Amy Hunnel (Katie) Bianchi, Lake Oswego, OR; Ashley Hunnel (Cody) Simmonds, Flower Mound, TX; Alex and William Harrington, Danville, CA; step-grandchildren, Erin Sherman (Sean) Hanafan, Omaha, NE; Megan Sherman Albertson, Omaha, NE; and Daniel (Sara) Sherman, Waukee, IA; her great-grandchildren, Isabella, Matthew, Jacob, Bodhi, Siena and Glenn; step-great-grandchildren, Ryan, Audrey, Owen, Micah and Macy. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rollin and Stella; her husband, Bud Torrey; and her son-in-law, Glenn Hunnel. 

Nancy will always be remembered for her love of people, positive attitude, generosity, and her kindness. We love her and miss her. 

• In lieu of flowers, memorials in Nancy’s name may be directed to any of the following:
•  *First United Methodist Church 
• *Siouxland Discovery Chorus 
• *Sioux City Symphony Orchestra 
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• The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to:
• *Dr. Thomas Schryver and staff at Family Healthcare of Siouxland Northside Clinic
• *St. Croix Hospice
• *UnityPoint Health-St Luke’s Infusion Center
• *Visiting Angels
• *Cornerstone Caregiving
• *Last but not least…the family expresses the utmost gratitude to Executive Director Christy Nikkel, Associate Director Kelli Herman and the entire staff at The Heritage at Northern Hills for their care, compassion, empathy, devotion and the love they gave our Mom during her 3 ½ year residency in Assisted Living. You are all very special!