Nancy Eleanor Pearson

Nancy Eleanor Pearson, age 90, from Frederick, Maryland (formerly of Moorhead, Minnesota and Fargo, North Dakota) passed away on Sunday June 8th, 2025 at Lorien Mt. Airy Assisted Living facility. Nancy was born on October 23, 1934 in Fargo to the late Adolph L. and Beatrice (Moris) Peterson.

Nancy grew up on a farm near Georgetown, Minnesota and attended Oak Grove Lutheran School and Concordia College. She became a Becker County Extension Agent in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Nancy married Karol Pearson and they lived in Detroit Lakes for several years before moving to Georgetown to operate her family farm. Nancy and Karol were active members of Kirkebo Lutheran Church in Perley, Minnesota. In addition to raising daughters Jane and Kyle, Nancy’s career paths included work as a county fair 4-H judge, a piano and adult education teacher, and a Moorhead elementary school educator and curriculum developer. She obtained her master’s degree in reading development and taught in the education departments at Moorhead State University and Concordia College. Nancy was honored as Teacher of the Year by the Moorhead Education Association. Outside of work, she served on the stewardship board and Stephen Ministry at Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo.

After she retired from teaching, she moved to Frederick to be closer to family. Nancy continued a life of positive impact in her retirement, becoming a Master Docent for the Historical Society, an active participant of Evangelical Lutheran Church, a volunteer at the Delaplaine Art Education Center (also making jewelry sold in the gift shop), and exploring many scenic drives and historical places with friends and family. During both her teaching career and retirement, Nancy was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society for key women educators.

Throughout her life she shared her many creative talents and skills that included hosting gatherings, sewing, making and teaching art, playing and teaching music, and exploring various culinary interests. Nancy supported and inspired many to pursue their best through her county extension and 4-H work, her activities in faith communities, and the many Moorhead students she reached as an educator.

She is survived by her daughters, Jane Pearson (Nicholas Ialongo) and Kyle Pearson Arzola (Otilio Arzola), her granddaughter Jena Ialongo, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brother Earle Peterson.

Family and friends can gather at Evangelical Lutheran Church, 31 East Church St, Frederick, MD 21701, on July 23, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45. The memorial service will start at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will follow the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to honor her memory can be sent to World Vision (https://www.wvi.org/) or the Parkinson’s Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/).
Online condolences can be made at www.KeeneyBasford.com