With heavy hearts and immense gratitude, we remember the life of a beloved woman, Nancy Rung. She passed away unexpectedly on August 25th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Known for her quick sense of humor, she could light up a room with a well-timed quip. Even in the busiest times or during life’s challenges, she reminded all who knew her of the healing power of laughter and the importance of family and finding joy in every day and never taking life too seriously.
Nancy possessed a strong moral compass, a commitment to justice and was an advocate for equality. These qualities made her an exceptional parent, friend, and colleague; a role model for us all.
She was born on May 5th, 1950, in Cleveland Ohio to Joseph and Florence (Carr) Rung, the youngest of their four children. She graduated from Walnut Ridge, High School in Columbus, Ohio. Nancy was an intelligent, thoughtful, and tenacious child often bumping heads with educators, freely expressing her opinions. One report card noted “Nancy loves music, but she should not sing alone.”
She furthered her education at Ohio State University, graduating with a degree in Occupational Therapy where she began an extensive career first by opening a private practice, Then as a rehab director at a local hospital. In 1981 she moved to Madison to accept a position with the University of Wisconsin, Hospital and Clinics as the Occupational Therapy Director. She held that position for 17 years before becoming the Rehabilitation Director at St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison, serving in that role for 22 years, retiring in 2018.
Her professional journey spanning four decades and was defined by compassion. Always ready with a gentle word or a reassuring smile, she became a pillar of support for her colleagues and patients alike. Her selflessness knew no bounds: whether lending an attentive ear or offering a steady hand, she found fulfillment in caring for those in need and inspired those around her to do the same.
Nancy’s loving and loyal spirit extended far beyond the walls of her workplace. She dedicated herself with unwavering devotion and selflessness; this was never more evident than in her commitment to becoming a foster parent. For many years she provided a safe and loving home for children in times of need and transition. It was through the gift of foster care that she met and adopted her greatest joy and love, her daughters, Valerie, Brie, and Anna. Her home was a sanctuary of love, and acceptance that echoed in every shared family meal, inside joke, and adventure. She was always supportive and excited of her daughters’ interests and extracurricular activities, taking joy in experiencing their successes in horseback riding, Irish dance, playing soccer or participating in local plays and vocal competitions. Nancy could always be found cheering them on. She was beyond proud of her daughters, they were her world.
She is survived by her three daughters Valerie (Megan), Brie, and Anna, her brother, Jospeh Davis, sister, Margaret Eagle, her niece, Melissa Eagle, and her two children David and Emma, as well as many friends, colleagues, who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Florence, and her brother William.
We celebrate her life with unending gratitude and joy, and though she will be deeply missed, her memory will remain a guiding light—an enduring testament to a life beautifully lived.
A celebration of life is being organized with more details to follow. Online condolences may be made at www.cressfuneralservice.com.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her long-term medical providers and Emergency Room Staff at St. Mary’s who provided her compassionate and dignified care.
In Lieu of flowers please consider donating to One Simple Wish, in her name. A charity supporting kids in the foster system. https://www.onesimplewish.org/
Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com
Cress Center
6021 University Ave. Madison
(608) 238-8406
Make a donation to one of the following charities in remembrance of Nancy Jean Rung
