Nancy Ann (McClintic) Hopson, 59, passed away on March 11th due to complications of pancreatic cancer. Nancy fought cancer valiantly for over four years, keeping her positivity and zest for life until the very end.
Nancy was born September 15, 1964, to Bill and Dianne McClintic in Saginaw, Michigan. Born between brothers Mark and Matt, she held her own as the family’s only daughter.
Early in life, Nancy’s dad encouraged the important priorities of church, family and sports; while her mom instilled a love of church, family and Snoopy. Nancy was a cheerleader in high school, and played softball throughout her younger years.
In 1980 the family moved to Williston, North Dakota, where Nancy graduated from Williston High School in 1983. She attended Minot State University to study accounting, and met the love of her life, Doug, at a sorority/fraternity function. Doug was assigned as her “big brother” and took his job of watching over a freshman girl “very seriously”. He realized Nancy was a special soul and was encouraged by his sisters to “not let this one slip away”.
Doug and Nancy were married in the summer of 1987, and upon Nancy’s graduation in 1988, the couple said they would move to the first place that offered them a job. That happened to be Doug’s hometown of Wolf Point, Montana. They were embraced by the community and made a home there for nearly 40 years. Nancy worked at Casco Insurance, Petrolane, Western Bank, and Wolf Point Schools, making lasting bonds wherever she went.
Nancy developed a special relationship with Doug’s parents, Harry (“Doc”) and Lou, and was accepted into the family as a third daughter. They shared many years of successful hunts, golf leagues, and family gatherings filled with laughter.
Nancy’s greatest joy in life was motherhood. In 1991 she gave birth to daughter Shanna, and later welcomed Kelsey in 1992 and David in 1995. She devoted herself to her children and enthusiastically supported and documented their interests and passions.
Nancy’s gregarious, competitive and fearless personality filled up any room she entered. She was always the first to volunteer, take the reins, jump in with both feet, or lend a hand to those in need. She was a great supporter of community causes and organizations, including Walleyes Unlimited, WPHS Booster Club, AAU Wrestling, and the Wolf Point Volunteer Fire Department.
Nancy’s Catholic faith was foundational in her life, and she was a devoted member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic congregation, giving back to the church in any way she could. She taught catechism and was a member of the ICCW for at least 20 years.
She was a great fan and avid collector of Peanuts memorabilia since childhood-anyone who knew her can’t see Snoopy or Charlie Brown without thinking of Nancy. She recently took up painting, and was very proud of her sewing projects, often giving away her beautiful creations as gifts.
Nancy is survived by her husband of 36 years, Doug; daughters Shanna (Michael) Schuster and Kelsey (Devin); son David; father Bill; second mother Julie; brothers Mark (Wendy) and Matt (Tammy); and many nieces ands nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dianne; her grandparents, and her special brother-in-law David Hopson. Nancy was overjoyed to witness the birth of her first grandchild, Theo Douglas, in February. The short time she was able to share with him on Earth filled her with delight and a boundless love that will echo long after her passing.
We are heartbroken to goodbye to Nancy far too soon, but we comforted to know she is no longer in pain and can rest in eternal peace. She lives on in the hearts of all who knew her through the cherished memories we shared.