Nancy Russell Kangerga

Nancy Russell Kangerga passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, surrounded by her loving family. She will be greatly missed. Celebration service will be held at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Henderson on Saturday, October 8, at 10:00 a.m., with The Reverend Patsy Barham officiating under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home in Henderson. Nancy, who was 83, was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Michael Kangerga; her parents Dan and Naomi Russell; her sister Eleanor Russell Folbre; and her brother Dan Russell, Jr. Nancy was born in San Antonio on April 28, 1928, and was raised there by her parents Dan and Naomi. She attended high school at St. Mary's Hall in San Antonio and later at Ashley Hall in Charleston, South Carolina. Nancy went to college at the University of Texas in Austin, where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. While at college, Nancy met her husband and life-long companion Michael Kangerga, who was from Henderson. Nancy and Michael married on October 15, 1949, in San Antonio, and then moved to Henderson to start their family. Nancy and Michael lived in Henderson for the rest of their lives. Nancy devoted herself to her family, friends, and community. She was an active member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, where for many years she served on the Altar Guild. She was a member of the Renaissance club, the Henderson Women's Forum, and the Junior League of San Antonio. Nancy also served as a volunteer at the East Texas Treatment Center in Kilgore. Nancy loved to cook for her family and friends, and she was widely known as a gracious hostess. Everyone visiting her home, even if only a casual acquaintance, was treated with a warm smile, a welcoming embrace, and overwhelming hospitality. All guests left well-fed and well-loved. Nancy enjoyed playing bridge, Mah Jongg, and other games of skill. As her family and friends can attest, her gracious personality masked a strong competitive spirit. She had keen card-sense and, perhaps surprising to some, knew her way around a Vegas dice table. She played for fun but she loved to win.Nancy and Michael loved to travel. She was equally comfortable in a rustic fishing lodge or a four-star hotel. After she lost Michael in 2005, Nancy continued to travel with her sons and extended family, often being the one organizing those trips. She never tired of going to new places, meeting new people, and learning new things. Nancy will be fondly remembered for her boundless love and graciousness. Nancy is survived by her four sons and daughters-in-law Russell and Debbie, Jim and Deborah, Johnny and Sarah, and Spikes and Melissa; her grandchildren and their spouses Morgan and Julie Kangerga, Katherine and Eric Boudreau, Andrew Kangerga, and Emily and C.T. Ricks; and her great-granddaughter Ava Kangerga. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 214 College Avenue, Henderson, Texas, 75654.

Nancy Russell Kangerga

April 28, 1928 - October 5, 2011