Nancy Brophy, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and woman of faith, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on August 29, 2022, at the age of 70. Nancy was born on January 20, 1952 in Detroit and was raised in Taylor, Michigan. She was a champion debater in high school and in college at Wayne State University, where she studied to become a teacher. After earning her Master of Science in Speech Pathology at Eastern Michigan University, Nancy moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, where she was a speech pathologist in the public schools. There, she met the love of her life, Michael C. Brophy. They were married on June 17, 1983 at The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbanks.

Nancy had their four children in the upcoming years. In 1987, she earned her Doctor of Education in Reading and Learning Disabilities at the University of Missouri. Shortly after completing her doctorate, the family settled in Spokane, Washington, where Michael established his gastroenterology practice. With her background in education and commitment to living her faith, she served on the school boards at the Diocese of Spokane, Cataldo Catholic School and Saint Patrick's Catholic School. She also served as the Secretary of the Sacred Heart Parish Council.

Her life's crowning achievement and greatest joy was her family. She loved family time at Priest Lake and Schweitzer Mountain. She enthusiastically encouraged her children's participation in many sports, and was their number one fan. Nancy prioritized her family above all, ensuring that family dinner happened regardless of what time everyone was available to convene. In later years, she found joy in her grandchildren. She had an innate ability to connect with children, and she lit up around them. She loved to share storybooks, her famous chocolate chip cookies and playing with the babies and toddlers.

She was blessed with the gift of faith which she nurtured in study, prayer and discernment in her early adult years. She elected to embrace the Catholic faith through the process of RCIA. She lived with the courage of her convictions and in the spirit of the prophet Micah, sought justice, loved kindness and walked humbly with God.  Even with multiple health challenges, she grew in hope and enthusiasm for her gift of life.  She unconditionally spread love and joy to all.

Although she will be missed beyond measure, we thank the Lord for His gift of her presence in our lives. Nancy leaves behind her devoted husband of 39 years, Michael. She is also survived by her children, Katie, Ellie, Annie and Carl; their spouses, Chris, TJ, Jeff and Whitney; her grandchildren, Will, Rory, Eric and Cali; and her sister, Linda. She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph, and stepmother, Patty.