Nancy Ann Wassam was born on April 3rd, 1974 in Kansas City, MO. She passed away on April 21st, 2024 after a very sudden decline in her health. Nancy was only 50 years of age. Nancy joined our family at 2 years of age, following 5 foster placements. We welcomed her with open arms, despite challenges along the way. 

Nancy graduated from Liberty High School in 1994. Upon graduation, Nancy moved out on her own. She lived in her own apartment with minimal support in Liberty, Missouri. She walked to work less than a mile away at a local nursing home. 

In 1997, Nancy began her employment at Vocational Services Incorporated (VSI). She continued her employment at the Liberty location until 2018. At that time, Nancy expressed a desire to work in the community. From 2018 - 2022 Nancy explored supported employment at Wendy’s, KFC, and Panera. In 2023, Nancy returned to on site employment with VSI - totaling 27 years of employment. She was definitely a hard worker who just needed a couple reminders during her day. 

Nancy shared a special bond with her family which includes: her mother, Linda; father, Bob; Sister Bobbi (husband James), and nieces Lauren and Haley. Nancy lived in her own apartment with her roommate Sidney. The ladies lived independently at The Gardens at Northgate Village in NKC, MO. 

Staff and support were provided by Creative Supports of Kansas City. 

Nancy enjoyed competing in local and state Special Olympics for over 12 years. She loved a variety of sports and events, however roller skating was one of her favorites. Her Dad took her to practice every Friday night at the Northland Rolladium in Liberty, Missouri.  In 1991, she won the National Gold Medal in roller skating in Richmond, Virginia, accompanied by her coach, Dorothy McDonald of Independence.    

A Celebration of Life will be held at Shoal Creek Community Church on May 18th from 4pm -7pm (6816 N Church Rd, Pleasant Valley, MO 64068), the church Nancy attended. All who knew her knew that Nancy loved the Lord. We will share a few memories at the beginning, please feel free to stop by anytime to celebrate what Nancy meant to all of us. Nancy will be cherished in two urns, to be buried with each of her parents upon their passing. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shoal Creek Community Church (Nancy’s church of attendance) or Special Olympics of Missouri. Donations can be designated and made to the family, or directly to each organization in Nancy’s honor. 

Afterglow

By Helen Lowrie Marshall

I’d like the memory of me to be a 

happy one, 

I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when

life is done.

I’d like to leave an echo whispering 

softly down the ways,

Of happy ties and laughing times 

and bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who grieve, 

to dry before the sun;

Of happy memories that I leave when 

life is done.