Nancy Louise Strack-Abernathy, 80 of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away February 8, 2026. Nancy was born in St Louis in 1945 to Clarence Strack and Esther Weber Strack. In her 80 years, she cultivated an abundance of love, generosity, kindness and connection.

Nancy’s early years were in St Louis and Poplar Bluff Missouri, and spending summers on her aunt’s farm in Canaan, MO. During her life she called many places home around the country including Las Cruces (New Mexico), Decatur (Illinois), Monterey (California), Aurora (Colorado), and Champaign (Illinois). She eventually moved to Poplar Bluff to complete her life’s legacy in her home town.

Nancy’s deep love for her parents, her sister, Susan, and brother, Buddy, demonstrated the importance of family above all. Nancy cherished her family and was dedicated to her children’s and grandchildren’s growth, connection and happiness above all. Nancy and her siblings were close partners fostering a sense of “family.” She raised her children to be close, to celebrate, and to take care of one another.

Nancy was committed to learning, and earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from South East Missouri State University. In addition to taking time to raise her three children, Brett, Courtney and Chris, she progressed her career to become a financial planner in which she spent her last 35 years prior to retiring. Nancy was a voracious reader and introduced her children and grandchildren to libraries, bookstores, and all the great novels. She loved reading about travel and different cultures. She cultivated a curiosity of adventure and new ideas in her children, who as a result, continued to explore and travel the world.

Nancy was the greatest animal lover. She was on the board of the Animal Welfare Alliance in Poplar Bluff.  She cared deeply for all animals and adopted many over her life.  She loved dogs in particlar and always had one by her side. She instilled this love of animals in her children and grandchildren.

Nancy was an avid cook and explorer of cuisines. She loved creating meals whether German, Chinese, Filipino or Italian. Her children are the fortunate recipients of her cooking skills and many delicious family recipes. Nancy had a loving and open home, often hosting her children’s friends for Sunday or holiday meals. Everyone knew they had a home with Nancy.

Nancy enjoyed traveling west to explore wildlife and visit with family and friends. She loved spending time in Montana with her sister and brother-in-law, and visiting Jackson Hole with her great friends. She would eagerly adventure in national parks, watch wildlife, and appreciate the grandeur of nature.

Nancy’s heart and home were anchored in Poplar Bluff with her dear Sister Suan and beloved brother Buddy. She treasured the community, her friends, and most of all her dear brother Buddy Strack and his family.

Nancy traveled often to see her children and grandchildren. She was always on the move whether to St Louis, Denver, or San Francisco as her grandchildren grew up. She never missed a graduation, birthday, or holiday with the family.

Nancy is survived by her brother, Clarence “Buddy” Strack, her children, Brett, Courtney and Chris, and her grandchildren, Madelyn Grace Abernathy, Jonathan Patrick Hu and Sophia Alden Hu. Nancy’s beloved sister, Susan Strack, passed away in Montana December 2, 2025.

The family will gather to celebrate Nancy’s life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Animal Welfare Alliance https://www.awasemo.org/ or the Grand Teton Association. https://grandtetonassociation.org/