Nancy Kephart Collins

On September 25, 2000, Nancy Kephart Collins passed away from cancer, yet her memory lives on in the Nancy Collins Memorial Fund (NCMF). Established in 2003 by Nancy's loving husband Joe and her 3 surviving children—William, Cathy and Timothy—this family managed and registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization has a two-fold mission—first, help in the ongoing fight against cancer and second, assist in providing quality healthcare for children.

Cancer eventually took Nancy's life, but it wasn't her first bout with the incorrigible disease. In fact, she was a courageous, 15-year survivor of breast cancer. Joe remembers her tenacity in dealing with her illness. Not once did he ever hear her complain.

The oldest of three sisters, Nancy loved reading, baking, shopping and most of all, children. Fortunately, Nancy was blessed with 2 grandchildren before she passed and is now survived by a total of 7. For all those who knew Nancy, one thing is certain—she's smiling down on her growing family.