Nancy Baugnet

Nancy Lee (Jackson) Baugnet, age 89, entered eternal life on November 20, 2025 surrounded by her family. Born on August 27, 1936, in Green Bay, WI, Nancy was the daughter of Agnes (Rosera) Jackson and Gordon Jackson.Nancy graduated from Nicolet High School in De Pere, class of 1954, and went on to marry the love of her life, Arnold Baugnet, on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1957, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in De Pere. Together, they created a beautiful Catholic foundation for their family — one filled with love, joy, and cherished memories.Besides being a devoted homemaker and raising her growing family, Nancy lived a rich and varied working life. In her early years, she explored her creative side as an aerial artist and oil painter, passions she lovingly set aside as her family grew. Even then, she poured herself into volunteer work, hosting coffee klatches, happy hours, and prayer gatherings for friends and neighbors — always creating community wherever she was.

Later, Nancy worked at St. Norbert College in the lunchroom, where she was affectionately known as “Mrs. B.” She went on to run her own shop, Nancy’s Near New, on Main Street in De Pere before dedicating herself to caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant and housekeeper at Rennes Health Care. No matter the job, service was always at the center of who she was.

As her children were growing up, Nancy was involved in every part of their lives. She served as a Cub Scout leader, a Fox 4-H leader, and an active member of the Altar Rosary Society at both St. Francis Xavier and St. Boniface Churches. She held roles as president and secretary and contributed faithfully to the planning of the yearly parish picnic.

Nancy also gave her time to those who needed it most by delivering Meals on Wheels to the homebound. She enjoyed couples bowling, playing golf, driving her girls to dance lessons and cheering on her children in concerts, plays and every sport — especially as a devoted hockey mom. Her family can still hear the joyful ring of her cowbell from the stands. She later joined the Red Hat Ladies and continued hosting prayer groups, always nurturing friendship, faith, and community.

Everyone was always welcome at Grandma’s. She greeted you with the biggest smile, the warmest hugs, and the kind of giant kisses only she could give. Her home was a place of comfort and joy — grape juice and orange juice always stocked in the fridge, cookies in the cookie jar, and candy tucked into her famous “Grandma bag,” and laying out her Avon books on the kitchen table — her cheerful side business, which she mostly kept so her family could enjoy the discounts.

She loved nothing more than spending time with her grandkids and creating memories they’ll hold onto for a lifetime. Her famous Nancy McMuffins, monkey bread, scotcharoos and countless meals that tasted like comfort and devotion. Her kitchen island was always set like a smorgasbord at every gathering, filled with each child’s and grandchild’s favorites — including her famous deviled eggs and mustard dip.

Christmas was especially magical with her. Traditions were special beyond words: hiding the pickle ornament, making popcorn balls, fudge, and caramels, baking cookies and pecan pies, and ending the night with Midnight Mass. Her home overflowed with Nativity sets — more than 50 lovingly collected over the years — each one with its own story.

Nancy hosted her ever-growing family year after year, decorating for every holiday and turning her home into a place where everyone felt welcomed, loved, and celebrated.

Her faith was the heart of her life. Jesus Mary and Joseph inspired her family to grow deeper in their Catholic faith, and sent us off with blessings like “God be with you” and “May God Bless you and your family Abundantly.” She kept a birthday calendar so full it was practically legendary — because remembering and celebrating people was simply who she was.

She taught us to pray as a family around the dinner table, passing down the Our Father, Johnny Appleseed, and the belief that love begins at home.

Later in life, Nancy and Arnie joined the YMCA, where her natural warmth made her a social butterfly who quickly gathered new friends. Together, they enjoyed the simple, meaningful rhythms of daily life—watching Wheel of Fortune, attending morning Mass, and praying the rosary side by side. They loved cheering on the Brewers and Packers, and spent many happy evenings playing Hand and Foot or dominos, sharing laughter, friendly competition, and the comfort of each other’s company.

Family came first for her — always. She put others before herself through her prayers, her cooking, her baking, and her endless generosity. She gave so much of her heart away, and somehow always had more to give.

So much love. So much laughter. The biggest smile. A role model in every season. A woman whose legacy of faith and family will live on in all of us. Her answer to every worry was simple and steady: “Pray for them.”

Nancy is survived by her children: Rebecca (Tom) Stefely, Bart (Betty) Baugnet, Jennifer (Steve) Eckelaert, John (Julie) Baugnet, Mary (Eric) Ferrel, Matthew (Jennfier) Baugnet and Sarah (Ben) Verhaagh; over 30 grandchildren and great-grandchildren and still growing! She is also survived by her brother Tom (Gaela) Jackson, brother-in-law Charlie Rasmussen and sister-in-law Kathy Schadrie, as well as nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

In addition to her husband, Arnie, she was preceded in death by her parents, Agnes and Gordon, sons Paul and Peter, 4 siblings: Carol Rasmussen, Sonny Jackson, Roy Jackson and Lynn Wagoner.

Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N Webster Ave, De Pere, on Monday, November 24, from 3:30pm until 6:00pm. A rosary service will conclude the evening at 6:00pm. Visitation will continue, on Tuesday, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 220 S Michigan Street, De Pere, from 10:00am until 10:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with Fr. Jason Blahnik officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, De Pere.

Thank you to Matt Baugnet & family for selflessly caring for our parents.

Thank you to Mary & Eric Ferrel for taking mom into their home so she could be surrounded by family the last months of her life.

Thank you to ThedaCare At Home Hospice Team.