Nancy Jean Stimach

Nancy Jean Stimach, age 70, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Born on February 25, 1955, in Los Angeles, California, Nancy was the beloved daughter of Frank and Evelyn Stimach. Her journey through life was marked by dedication, faith, love, humor, and a deep passion for animals, nature, and the people she held dear.

A lifelong learner and consummate professional, Nancy pursued her education in business at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, later continuing extended studies at the University of Texas at Dallas. Her intellect and leadership led her to a successful career as a project manager and culminated in her role as Senior Technical Program Manager in Infrastructure and Operations at Electronic Arts, from which she retired in October 2021. She held certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Management Specialist (CMS), and was widely respected for her professionalism, drive, and attention to detail.

From a young age, family was at the heart of Nancy’s life. There are fond memories of the whole family sitting down once a week to play board games—Grandma included. Those early traditions carried on as Nancy and Iher sister, Sue, continued to play games together over the years. They also loved spending quiet time down at the beach, watching the boats go in and out of the harbor, or sitting near the runways at LAX, watching the planes land—simple moments that became cherished memories.

Nancy’s curiosity and love for animals showed in both her studies and her life. She began college with dreams of becoming a veterinarian, though she eventually changed her major to business. Her affection for animals never faded—Nancy had quite the collection of unusual pets over the years, including a rat, a horned toad, and even a wild sparrow she named Robert, who flew onto her shoulder one day and lived with us for over a year.

But Nancy’s true passion was for animals—especially her beloved companions who brought her so much joy: Sophie, Riley, Tink the cat, her dachshund, Pippin (affectionately known as Pippenstan from her time working in Sweden), Dusty (aka Stinky), Rain, Dakota, William, Dallas, and her first horse, Brighton—each held a unique place in her heart. Even as a child, Nancy had a knack for collecting animals and caring for them from a rat to a sparrow, she loved them all. After suffering a debilitating stroke in June 2021, these cherished animals gave her comfort, motivation, and love during her recovery.

Her group RV trips were some of the best times—Nancy and Debbie in their trailer, Mom and Dad in their motorhome, and Jim and Sue in their 5th wheel. Together, they explored Yellowstone, Sequoia National Forest, and traveled up the breathtaking California coast.

An avid equestrian, Nancy spent over two decades in Central Texas actively involved in the horse community and, the last years, with the Houston Area Carriage Association. She found her greatest peace driving her carriage horses across the Texas countryside. Her love for the outdoors extended to traveling, hiking, and spending countless hours at the barn with her horses, including her “big boy” Dallas and her first horse, Brighton. In her earlier years in California, Nancy was a dedicated competitor in dressage and jumping.

In the late 1980s, Nancy met one of her dearest lifelong friends, Debbie Cahill. They shared a home for decades and made many happy memories traveling together. Their cherished companion, Sophie Lou, accompanied them on their travel trailer adventures.

In 1989, Nancy was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings, including Sunday School teacher and Relief Society president.

Nancy deeply loved her family and the extended family she gathered along the way. Her bond with her sister, Sue Wolfe, was filled with love, laughter, and shared memories—often over movies and nostalgic chats. In Round Rock, she embraced the Laytons and the Godbolds as her own. To their children she became “Aunt Nancy,” offering them gifts, wisdom, and steadfast support (though she famously drew the line at diaper duty). She loved them fiercely and took joy in watching them grow.

Throughout her life, Nancy cultivated meaningful friendships across her work, church, barns, and clubs. Following her stroke, a new circle of love formed around her in the form of devoted caregivers who provided not just support, but true companionship and care during her final years. These women became a second family to her, offering comfort and dignity in her time of need.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Evelyn Stimach, her brother-in-law Jim Wolfe, and several of her treasured animals, including Sophie and Dakota. She is survived by her beloved sister, Sue Wolfe; her extended families—the Laytons (Steve, Joy, Kenneth, Caitlin, Patrick, and Daniel) and the Godbolds (Michael, Catherine, Kaitlin, Senna, and Joslyn); and countless dear friends and loved ones whose lives she touched with her generosity, strength, and joy.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9:30 to 10 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Taylor, Texas. A funeral service will begin at 10 am, followed by a graveside service at the City of Taylor Cemetery. In fitting tribute to the life she loved, Nancy will make her final journey to the cemetery in a horse-drawn carriage.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society in College Station, Texas, or All Things Wild Wildlife Rescue in Georgetown, Texas—organizations that reflect Nancy’s enduring love for animals and the natural world.