Obituary of Nancy Lynne Faulkes

Nancy Lynne Faulkes died suddenly January 3, 2020 while in the company of her loving husband, Quentin Smisek. She had struggled valiantly to overcome serious and life-threatening health issues for the last several years, but her kind heart could take no more. Nancy was known for her love of family, her accepting nature and generous spirit. She was a little person with a big personality.

Nancy was born and raised in Iowa City, IA, Nancy held a Bachelor’s degree in organ performance from Beloit College, a Master’s degree in special education from UW-Whitewater and a music therapy certification. She spent decades teaching special needs children in the Minneapolis public schools where she touched many lives, succeeding where others had failed, using standard educational services as well as specialized music and dance therapy. Nancy’s interests included camping, hiking, canoeing, biking, dance, fiction writing, travel, yoga, tai chi, reading, participating in her book club, and playing the organ and piano. She and Quentin sang for many years with the Richfield Silvernotes Chorus and were active members of the Minnesota Rovers Outdoor Club.

Nancy is survived by her beloved husband of 28 years, Quentin Smisek and sisters: Sharon (Wallace) Underhill of Coon Rapids, Julie Gjerde of Apache Junction AZ, and Mary Jane (Gary) Faulkes-Perelman of Brookhaven, PA and mother-in law Evelyn Smisek of Minnetonka. Nancy was dedicated to her family and she was a friend, advisor and “second mom” to her numerous nieces, nephews and their children.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Sara Carol Adele Slinde Faulkes and Edwin Eugene Faulkes, and her stepmother Dorothy Faulkes.

On January 18th at 10:00 am a visitation will be held at the Mayflower Church UCC, 106 E Diamond Lake Road, Minneapolis, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 and a light lunch. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to NAMI of Minnesota https://namimn.org/.