SOUTH PORTLAND- Nancy Ann Mineart passed away from Alzheimer's Disease on February 24, in Falmouth, Me. She was born on Feb. 4th, 1948, in Fairfield, Iowa. She is survived by sisters Linda Blessing, Judy Neubauer, Kathryn Marsh, and Renee Mineart, and brothers Allan, William (Bill) and Daniel Mineart.
Although the town of her birth was small, and she herself never reached 5 feet, her dreams and ambitions were large. She left Iowa before age 20. When she visited a friend in Portland she knew she had found her Forever Home.
Nancy's great creativity, determination, and willingness to work hard served her well. Over the years she bought, renovated, and sold several homes. She also (mostly) designed and built 2 from scratch. Besides her income properties, her creativity and sewing skills provided her living. Combining those with her love of Halloween, she had a costume business for many years. Nancy always loved the theatrical and dramatic possibilities of clothing, but gradually her business focused more on alterations and upholstery. She built a large clientele of return customers, many who became friends.
Nancy was very social and outgoing, eagerly making acquaintances wherever she went. Her lovely group of life-long friends attests to her caring, giving, loyal, and fun personality. Her passion to improve the world involved her in politics and civic issues, and made her a dedicated recycler and environmentalist. She volunteered at Preble Street, serving Thanksgiving dinner to the unhoused for many years, and inspired them to implement recycling bins.
She worked hard to build a comfortable life, and she had many hobbies. She was an avid reader of all genres, and loved discussing and collecting books and was very generous in giving them to any interested person. Nancy's eye for design had her often re-painting, re-upholstering, and redecorating her colorful home. She especially adored purple and animal prints, and she was fearless in their use in decor and wardrobe. She loved gardening, and inside and out, plants blossomed under her green thumb. Beyond her friends, her greatest joys were her cats - she always had 2 - and dancing. Her love of music and amazing rhythm made her a fixture on the dance floors of many Portland clubs.
2006 Nancy purchased a lot in South Portland and began construction on the house she was to live in until poor health made upkeep too challenging. She designed it with utility and creativity. It included a 2 bedroom rental apartment, a large sun-lit work room, and multiple decks, one with a spiral staircase leading down to her beautiful garden. She and her beloved cats spent many happy years there.
Nancy, now in another dimension, is surely dancing upon a purple beach ball, à la The Cat in the Hat, a cup of tea in one hand, a book in the other, a cat on each shoulder, and a big smile on her face.
A Celebration of Life will take place for Nancy in the spring.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com