Nancy (Nanc) Elizabeth Anderson (Olson), age 91, of Minneapolis, died peacefully at home on January 15, 2026. She was a passionate mother and grandmother, a treasured friend, and a lifelong learner known for her quick wit and unforgettable personality.

Born September 25, 1934, Nancy grew up in St. Louis Park, with her younger brother Dave.

Nancy attended the University of Minnesota, where she met the love of her life, Robert (“Bob,” “Buppy”) J. Anderson, on a blind date. They married on September 18, 1955, and raised their three children in Minnetonka.

After years as a devoted stay-at-home mother, Nancy worked for a several years as a coordinator at St. Joan of Arc Church in south Minneapolis. In her 40s, she returned to school and completed her Bachelor of Science in Business at the Carlson School of Management, graduating when she was 48. She remained a passionate learner throughout her life—taking courses through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the U of MN, the Humphrey Institute, and St. Thomas. She attended countless lectures all around town including Pen Pals and Westminster Town Hall forums. A devoted reader of non-fiction and many newspapers a day, she sought to better understand the world and the people in it.

Nancy’s curiosity and concern for others took her around the globe. She traveled to Central America to study poverty, to Russia and Iran to better understand their cultures, and to Israel to speak directly with Israelis and Palestinians. She also took annual trips to Chautauqua to learn about U.S. Diplomacy. Locally, she was deeply engaged in civic life—active in politics, Women Against Military Madness and peace protests, including demonstrations at Honeywell protesting the military arms build-up. She was arrested for protesting nuclear weapons and was famously photographed in chains on the front page of the Star Tribune. She loved spirited conversations about politics, poverty, women’s rights and peace.

Nancy managed the household finances and became a savvy investor.  She started a stock club to help other women learn about investing. 

Nancy and Bob were devoted supporters of the arts and community, including the Guthrie Theater, Minnesota Orchestra, the Walker Art Center, Loring Greenway Association,  Hennepin Theatre Trust, and the University of Minnesota. They were also enthusiastic sports fans, holding season tickets to the Vikings, Timberwolves, and University of Minnesota football and men’s and women’s basketball teams. They belonged to the Minikahda Club.

Their love of travel took them to many corners of the world.

Nancy adored her two granddaughters and delighted in exploring Minneapolis with them—from the Children’s Theatre and MacPhail School of Music to the Science, History and Children’s Museums. They knew the skyway system better than many who worked downtown. Nancy gifted the girls stocks for birthdays, eager to teach them about money and independence. 

Nancy made friends wherever she went. She brought people together, was endlessly enthusiastic about life, and rarely sat still. She belonged to The Nasty’s, a group of like-minded women that she revered because they said what they wanted, did what they pleased, and never apologized for either…her besties!!!

She was aware of how blessed she was and she lived each day with gratitude and purpose.  She and Bob lived in the Loring Green community downtown for 40+ years.  Their many friends there were like a second family to them, especially after Bob’s passing nearly 13 years ago. 

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, her parents, Russell and Lenore Olson, and her brother David. She is survived by her children: Kris (Shari), Karin Marshall (Mike), and Kurt; her granddaughters, Allison Marshall (Jason) and Anne Marshall (Chris); nieces and nephews; and the many friends she cherished and loved dearly.

Please join us for a celebration of Nancy’s life at 12 noon on Friday April 3, 2026 at the Minikahda Club. Lunch will be served.

To honor Nancy’s commitment to affordable housing in Minneapolis, please consider a contribution to Aeon in lieu of flowers. Donations can be made at https://aeon.org/donate/