Nancy Ruth Godfrey

Nancy Ruth (Suneson) Godfrey, age 76 of Shoreview, MN passed away with family holding her hand on August 7th, 2024. Nancy was preceded in death by the love of her life, Bruce R. Godfrey and parents Arthur and Eleanor (Satherlie) Suneson. She is survived by her four children, David (RaeAnn), Gwen (Dillon) Lyon, Daniel (Erin) and Steven (Marci), nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, brothers Bruce (Diana) and Brian (Pam) along with nieces and nephews. Nancy was born October 24, 1947 and grew up in Roseville, MN, in the home that her dad built. As part of the Woodbridge Street gang of kids that ran and played along its tree lined street, she found the love of her life, Bruce. He was living directly across the street from her! She and Bruce would go on to marry in April 1968 and soon after moved into the home she lived in for fifty years. Nancy spent the past year residing at The Willows of Arbor Lakes and the seven years prior to that living with her son, David, and his family due to health restrictions. She was a resilient woman who created an amazing life, even as she faced obstacles on her journey. She lived without complaint as she managed Rheumatoid Arthritis from her early 20's, grieved the loss of her husband when she was just 54 years old, and fractured her neck in 2016 from a fall. Eventually, a dementia diagnosis came with its own set of obstacles in her final years of life. Through all of these challenges Nancy's faith remained the center of who she was. She was a long time member of North Heights Lutheran Church where she attended bible school and was confirmed as a teenager. Throughout her years, she served the congregation in a variety of ways, including teaching Sunday school, leading Creative Life and pioneering the Wednesday night suppers. A lifestyle of generosity was at the core of Nancy's character. She was known for passing her blessings on to others, whether it was an infamous May Day basket, showering others with the perfect gift or even simply words of encouragement. Nancy's caring disposition led her into a career as an in-home day care provider for over thirty years. She grew her business while positively contributing to the safety, love and developmental growth of many children. More than that, she enjoyed working with each family and it was important to her to create strong relationships with all of them. Nancy was a traveler throughout her life, from cross country trips with her parents and brothers, to road trips with Bruce and the children. She continued travel after Bruce passed away by enjoying annual trips to Florida and going on adventures with her Grief Group Girls throughout the country and even overseas. All travels aside, Nancy's favorite place to spend her time was at the cabin in northern Minnesota. She and Bruce worked the family land for many years before building their dream cabin, which both referred to as their "heaven on earth". They would go up north for some R&R, which they quickly learned meant rocks and roots! It was a labor of love and continues to be deeply appreciated by children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren. The cabin is where her presence will be felt the strongest by her family and for this we are blessed. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 7th at 11:00 am at North Heights Lutheran Church 2701 Rice Street, Roseville, MN 55113. The service will be followed by a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. Livestream available at northheights.church. Private interment at a later date in Roselawn Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the Arthritis Foundation, Alzheimer's Association or Plant-A-Tree program with the US Forest Service.

Tributes

Nancy Ruth Godfrey

October 24, 1947 - August 7, 2024

Tributes

Nancy Ruth Godfrey

October 24, 1947 - August 7, 2024

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203