She wasn't just a wife and companion, a mother of three loving sons, or the caregiver for oodles of children in her home. Nancy Hallanger was a woman filled with love and joy that exuded from her eyes, her lips and her heart.

In August 2012 Nancy was in her second bout with breast cancer that had invaded her bones. We were at a family picnic. She told me she was in stage four of her cancer. Yet, she was exuberant and enthusiastic for the next stage of her life with her husband, and my cousin, Larry. The two of them had cleaned out all the stuff they had accumulated in their home over the years, saving only the keepsakes. They sold their home and were headed to Florida to spend the remainder of her life.

Nancy and Larry had spent much time in Florida in the past. Nancy's continued love for children lead her to her involvement with the Give Kids The World organization.

Nancy was only 60 years old when she passed away in a Florida hospital. We celebrated her life on October 30, 2012 at a Minneapolis church overflowing with loved ones she had touched.

Nancy knew she was dying. She was not in denial. But, she chose to live her life joyfully and to the fullest right up until the end. She was an inspiration to me.