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Nancy Hanvey, 87

Nancy Hanvey, 87, passed away Feb. 15, 2017, at Generations in Rathdrum, Idaho.

Nancy was born in Chicago, Ill., on Dec. 28, 1929, to Robert G. and Etta Dehaven Hanvey.

Nancy was a passionate and devoted early childhood educator in the Chicago school system for more than four decades, primarily teaching kindergarten and first grade. Later in her career, she co-authored a best-selling educational text for elementary school students, “Everyday Mathematics.”

Though she never had children of her own, Nancy helped to raise her niece, Katy, and nephew Mike when their mother unexpectedly passed away. She was also a caring and supportive presence during the formative years of several other members of her extended family. Later in life she moved to Rathdrum to live with Katy. Together they helped design and build a straw bale house on five acres.

Nancy was a loving and beloved daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and great-aunt. She is survived by her sister, Sally Taylor; her nephews and nieces Michael Hanvey, Kevin Taylor, Katy Willard, Patricia Taylor, Erin Drier and Doug Hanvey; and numerous grandnephews and grandnieces.

Nancy loved animals almost as much as children, and enjoyed having dogs, cats, horses and goats. Memorial donations may be made to the Kootenai Humane Society.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 6, 2017, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave.

Please visit Nancy’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign her guest book.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.