Events
Visitation
9880 S 3100 E, Sandy, UT 84092Sandy Granite View Stake Building
Saturday May 3, 2025 9:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Funeral
9880 S 3100 E, Sandy, UT 84092Sandy Granite View Stake Building
Saturday May 3, 2025 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Listen to Obituary
Nancy Lismore Smith Nebeker, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025 surrounded, as she always was, by her loving family. The loss of her presence will be felt by all who knew and loved her.
Nancy was born on January 19,1955 in midtown Manhattan - the daughter of a stockbroker father John J. Smith and a magazine editor mother Nora O’Leary. Even from a young age, Nancy considered herself incredibly lucky to grow up in the heart of New York City where she savored museums, Broadway plays, world class restaurants, and fascinating people from around the world. While her parents rose from limited means and educational opportunities, they prioritized and sacrificed for their children’s education - a choice that influenced everything in Nancy’s life. She graduated from the Spence School in NYC in 1973, attended Connecticut College before transferring to Brigham Young University to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in 1977 followed by a Master’s Degree in Journalism and Public Affairs from American University in Washington, D.C. in 1981.
During her undergraduate years at BYU, Nancy made the life changing decision to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From that time forward, Nancy felt her greatest and most significant identity was as a daughter of God and a disciple of Jesus Christ. She served faithfully in a variety of Church callings, including fifteen years as a Relief Society president at the branch, ward, and stake level. Nancy believed there was no greater call than teaching the doctrine of Christ, and she particularly loved working with teens and young adults who became her treasured, lifelong friends. Describing how her life changed after she was baptized, Nancy often described it as if her life went from black and white to full color. Everything became richer, more meaningful, and more filled with joy.
Nancy met and married the love of her life, Michael Smith Nebeker while she was in graduate school in D.C. They married in the Washington, D.C temple on February 28, 1981. They began the adventure of a lifetime by immediately moving to Bangkok, Thailand to work with the Pearl S. Buck Foundation, assisting Amer-Asian children left behind from the Vietnam War. They spent the first three years of marriage abroad and then returned stateside for Michael’s graduate work and a three-year stint in New York City before returning to Thailand for another seven years. They finally repatriated to the Salt Lake Valley in 1993 to begin their long association with the Waterford School in Sandy, Utah.
Along the way, six amazing children were born - two in New York, two in Bangkok, and the last two in Sandy, Utah. Conrad, Chase, Margot, Austin, Lismore, and Reid became the light of her life. Teaching each of them how to read and love good books, to appreciate the beauty of nature all around them and to serve and respect folks from around the world brought meaning and purpose to her experience as a mother. Cooking delicious Thai food with her kids, spending time at their stunning North Eden ranch at Bear Lake, reading by the fire, and playing games together to close out the day were some of her favorite things to enjoy with each of them.
For the last several years, some of Nancy’s greatest satisfaction and joy came from her work as the Dean of Students at Waterford School. Nancy had a deep belief in the potential and capacity of young people, and she delighted in helping her students see the opportunity hidden in every challenge. Helping students grow and triumph simply fed her soul. She often told families and students that her door was always open to them. They soon discovered that her heart was always open too, ready to help and support them as they navigated difficult things.
Nancy is survived by her husband Michael, children Conrad (Lindsay), Chase, Margot (Tyson) Andrus, Austin (Cara), Lismore and Reid along with six treasured grandchildren Emma Gage, Phineas, Ira, Phebe, Nora and Behr. Her bonus son Marc Gardner (Lilit) has also been a tender blessing, along with her sister Wendy (Chris) and brother Stephen (Sally) and their children.
In lieu of flowers, you’re invited to make a donation to The Nancy Nebeker Scholarship Fund
http://waterfordschool.org/nancynebekerscholarship
She will be laid to rest in the Laketown, Utah, cemetery just a stone’s throw away from her beloved Bear Lake.
A luncheon will follow the service for invited family and close friends to share good food and sweet memories together. At a time like this, Nancy wanted us to be together.
Video
Guestbook/Condolences
I was heartbroken to hear of Nancy’s passing, and I want to extend my deepest condolences to all of you.
Nicki and I had the privilege of working alongside Nancy for many years, and we were continually inspired by her passion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to education and students. She had a remarkable gift for making things happen. If there was something to do and Nancy was there, you were in good hands. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, including ours.
Please know that our thoughts are with all of the Waterford community and her family during this difficult time. Nancy will be deeply missed, and her memory will always be a blessing of love and dedication.
With heartfelt sympathy, The Biscupovich family.
I was heartbroken to hear of Nancy’s passing. She was my Cub Scout leader in Bangkok Thailand and truly a mom away from home when I stayed with your family for a week in elementary school. Now, as a parent of six myself, I look back on those memories with deep admiration and love for the amazing woman she was. Her kindness, intelligence and warmth left a lasting impression on me, and I know she touched the lives of so many. Please accept my heartfelt condolences — I’m holding your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Nancy was inspirational. She was a beacon of insightfulness and offered with grace and wisdom sincere encouragement a student or parent needed to hear when academic or personal challenges or opportunities presented itself.
She will be truly missed. But, hopefully, her family knows her spirit has left an indelible imprint on so many that her legacy will live for many generations.
Prayers to the Nebeker family,
Kellie Wood
Nancy was inspirational. She was a beacon of insightfulness and offered with grace and wisdom sincere encouragement a student or parent needed to hear when academic or personal challenges or opportunities presented itself.
She will be truly missed. But, hopefully, her family knows her spirit has left an indelible imprint on so many that her legacy will live for many generations.
Prayers to the Nebeker family,
Kellie Wood
Michael and family,
All our love and prayers go out to you. Nancy is a beautiful person and will be so very missed. She made such an impact on so many. She showed sincere interest in each person she talked with. ❤️🙏🏻😘
I’m deeply saddened by your loss. Nancy is an incredible soul. She impacted so many lives. She lives on in all of us. My love to you, Michael and your family. Beautiful tribute to a truly inspirational woman.
Michael, I am so sorry for your loss , my heart goes out to you.
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Nancy. Though it’s been many years since I last saw her, I have such fond memories of the time we spent together while living in Bangkok. I remember her warmth, kindness, and the many meaningful conversations we shared. Nancy had a special way of making people feel welcome—I’ll always remember the many times she opened her home and invited me to share a meal. During that time, I truly considered her a dear friend.
Thank you, Nancy, for your love, kindness, and friendship.
My heartfelt condolences to Michael and the rest of your family.
So sad to hear of Nancy’s death. She was the dearest of friends during my time in Washington DC. I too was blessed by Nancy’s big and open heart, her beautiful way with words, and gentleness of spirit. Hugs to you Michael. Such a loss to you.
Dear Nebeker Family my deepest condolences
Alex
ms nebeker was the sweetest woman i’ve ever met. it was such a great privilege to know her
Lo siento mucho mi gran amigo, la recordaremos con mucho amor y nos deja un ejemplo para recordarla por siempre
It was with a profound sadness that we, Nancy's Irish cousins still residing in the village of Ardmore, just outside the historic city of Derry in Northern Ireland, received the deeply sorrowful news of her passing. At this incredibly difficult and sad time, our hearts reach out to you, her bereaved family, with the sincerest of condolences and unwavering support. We cherish the vivid and joyful memories of Nancy and Mike's unexpected and delightful visit back in June 2017. The serendipitous discovery that we had living descendants of our great Aunt, Mary Jane McCourt, was an event that truly surprised and deeply touched us all. We instantly felt a powerful and undeniable connection with Nancy, a testament to her remarkable warmth, genuine empathy, and the innate ability to bridge distances and forge bonds. Her kindness and engaging spirit left an indelible mark on our hearts, and the laughter and stories shared during that precious time will forever be treasured. We want you to know that Nancy and her wonderful family will be held close in our thoughts and included in our prayers during this period of mourning and beyond. May you find solace in the cherished memories you hold and strength in the love that surrounds you.
We were very sad to learn of Nancy's passing. She was our daughter's Nursery 4 teacher 30 years ago and was a caring and devoted school presence for all the years since that time. We will pray for your comfort and assurance that she is continuing on in her work of service on the other side.
Nancy was a great human being and will be really missed.
I am saddened that such an amazing person left your family. What a beautiful tribute to Nancy.
We are saddened to hear this. Our hearts and prayers reach out to invoke peace and confidence in the Lord that the love and joy you have known together continues beyond the bounds of mortality. Oh, we wish we could be there. Please know of our love and support.
My deepest condolences to you Michael, your kids and grandchildren. Nancy was an amazing person who blessed the lives of so many. I have many memories of her from our time together in Bangkok. She was a YW leader, seminary teacher and most memorably lead our weekly study group! Praying you are comforted and feel the peace that passes all understanding.
Dear Michael,
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved wife. Please accept my sincere condolences during this profoundly difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With deepest sympathy,
Aden Batar
I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Nancy was a person who you always felt she cared about you. Our connection is through Waterford. I enjoyed getting to know Nancy and her family. She showed family was always important to her.
May all her family have peace and comfort at this time.
Sincerely,
Kaylyn Smith Crum
We were saddened by the news of Nancy’s death. All of the Colton and Woller families offer our deepest condolences to Michael, your children, grandchildren, and the entire Waterford community. We’ve all lose a wonderful woman.
I was confused and sad upon discovering Nancy's passing. Nevertheless, as she has crossed over the veil, my memories of her kindness and warmth will always remain alive. My past interactions with her invariably made me feel as if I were someone special. She was wonderfully supportive of my time teaching at the Waterford School. I feel remorse for Mike and the children who will keenly miss Nancy's presence. God be with you.
It was a great privilege to know Mrs. Nebeker.
I will never forget the way she greeted all the students with a smile and how she remembered all of our names no matter how brief our interactions were.
She will be deeply missed.
Dear Nebeker Family,
It is with heartfelt and sincere condolences that I send you all my thoughts and prayers and those of the entire International School Bangkok community on the passing of your dear Nancy. Every day I come to work at our beautiful campus in Pakkret I think of the contributions of Michael and, indeed, the entire Nebeker family. May she rest in eternal peace.
We had the pleasure of getting to know Nancy during out time at Waterford from 2014-2024. Nancy was the consummate professional. She always was one step ahead and knew how to handle every situation. She always showed kindness and fairness. She was genuinely interested in every student and wanted to help them succeed. We will greatly miss her!
In fond remembrance,
Justin, Monica, Samantha and Ian Cassell
Michael and Family,
We were very saddened to receive the news of Nancy's passing. Nancy's positive, effervescent attitude about nearly everything made her so fun to be around and made shared experiences more exciting and memorable. Kristie was especially grateful for her friendship and help in navigating Bangkok.
We know that she is brightening the Spirit World and surely teaching the truth that we are that we might have joy! We pray that your family will be comforted by the promise that - through the grace of the Savior - you'll be with her again.
Love,
The Marsdens
I’m deeply sorry that Nancy is no longer with us. She was one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever met. She always had a warm smile and treated everyone like family. My daughters adored her. I’ll never forget how she insisted, Just call her Nancy. We’ll miss her so much—she will always hold a special place in our hearts.
With love,
Claudia Bravo
Michael - It is difficult to know what to say as we mourn the far too early departure of Nancy; such an engaging and vibrant person, so gifted and full of love, empathy, and wisdom. It is a mystery why she was called home so early when her gifts and talents were such a blessing to so many here. When we are all gathered together again in the same place perhaps it will be clearer. May you have an extra measure of peace and comfort in the assurance of an inevitable reunion. Please know of our love and admiration for both of you.
Please receive our deepest and heartfelt condolences. In 2015, Nancy received our 3 daughters coming from Peru with open arms, a big heart and always caring for their well-being. We developed a very close friendship; at Waterford, Nancy was our Angel, a unique, kindest and loving human being.
Nancy will always have a very, very special place in our hearts. We will miss her so very much.
With love,
Flavia, Fiorella, Fabiola, Claudia and Ronald Paredes
Such a loss for those left behind, but what a great gift to the heavens. Nancy touched so many hearts and served countless who were hopeless and finding their way through life. She lifted them up and became their light. Dorothy and I have been touched by her generous spirit. Those feelings will always be with us.
The word that describes Nancy to me is love...pure love. She walked into my life in Islamabad, Pakistan and has been there ever since. We shared a lot of wonderful times together. Love to Michael and all the family.
We love you and are praying for your family. We have sweet memories of Namcy and her Christlike love for everyone. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
My heartfelt condolences to you Michael and family.
I am sure she will continuously let you know the family path. We are so great full for her friendship and love when we started our family in BKK. Your guidance and love helped us know and choose the family way.
Thanks so much for giving us the chance to be part of your life.
The Roemer family
What a wonderful life! What a privilege to have known her and felt her impact on our lives. What a disciple of Christ!
Paraphrasing Emily Dickinson, "This world in not an ending, A sequel stands beyond. Invisible and music and positive as sound." We look forward to being in her angel school for Christ.
Matt and Pauline Peterson
What a wonderful life! What a privilege to have known her and felt her impact on our lives. What a disciple of Christ!
Paraphrasing Emily Dickinson, "This world in not an ending, A sequel stands beyond. Invisible and music and positive as sound." We look forward to being in her angel school for Christ.
Matt and Pauline Peterson
Mike,
I never met Nancy but if you chose her to be your love for all eternity, she must be an incredible soul! I am so sorry you are parted for a season. It is not easy to be alone but knowing your zest for living and determination to leave this world in a better state, I’m praying you will find much joy and satisfaction in your offerings.
All the best,
DeAnn
What a shock! Our sincere condolences to Michael and the family.
I was privilege to get to know Nancy and Michael when she was Stake Relief Society President. She was a spiritual Giant.
The first time I met her was with tears in her eyes. It’s enough to say that was a sacred and bonding experience that cemented our friendship to last throughout the eternities. Sad to say, after we moved from Granite, we lost touch here in this life but it’s only for a moment.
I look forward to the time when I can once again feel of her warm tender spirit. Without a doubt a special daughter of our Heavenly Parents. A true Queen for Michael and her family throughout all time.