Nancy Elizabeth Essary
1954 ~ 2026
Nancy was born in Salt Lake City to Jean Brown and Edward Richards on August 27, 1954, and died peacefully with her family by her side on May 26, 2026. Nancy graduated from Skyline High School in 1972, earned a Bachelor of Arts from Westminster College in 1977, and a Master of Education from the University of San Francisco in 2000. Nancy married the love of her life on July 4, 1975, and spent 44 years together building a life together until his untimely passing in 2019.Nancy worked as an oil and gas accountant for Petro Source Oil and Gas and later followed her dreams of being in education, where she proudly served as an educator and administrator for the Diocese of Salt Lake City for 27 years. Throughout her career in education, she influenced the lives of countless students, colleagues, and families. Her dedication, compassion, and love for teaching created a lasting impact that will continue to be felt for generations to come.
She had a deep love for Catholic education and the Catholic Church and volunteered over the years as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, religious educator, youth minister, finance committee member, and member of the parish council. She believed that giving of herself to others was part of God’s calling.
Nancy loved her wonderful children, Angela and Richard, with all her heart. Her daughter was her pride and joy and possesses some of her greatest qualities. Her greatest calling in life was being the grandmother to her grandchildren, Dominic, Landon and Abigail, whom she loved with her whole heart. She opened her heart to everyone she met and created a special bond with those who entered her life, especially her son-in-law Richard. She loved spending time with her family, hosting gatherings, out in her garden creating beautiful landscapes, and with her faithful dog Cory.
Nancy is survived by her daughter Angela (Richard) Hummel, son Richard (Kathy) Essary, grandchildren Dominic, Landon, and Abigail Hummel, sisters Kerry Armstorng, Becky (Doug) Ruley, Mary (Walk) Perry, Erin (Eric) Meyer, brother Jack (Rosalyn) Richards, nephews Andrew and Nathan Arnim and niece Sierra Meyer. Preceded in death by her parents, and sister Margaret.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 2:45 p.m., with rosary at 2:20 p.m. at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 514 24th Street, Ogden. Inurnment, Leavitt’s Aultorest Memorial Park, 836 36th Street, Ogden. 
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Saint Olaf Catholic School, Utah Donor Fund, or Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Thank you to Atlas Homecare and Hospice for the wonderful care they took during her final days and Leavitt’s Mortuary for their guidance and support.