Martha Nan Douglass
July 18, 2012
Martha Nan Douglass, 83, of West Des Moines died at the Bright Kavanagh House on July 18, 2012, after a brave four-year battle with a multitude of health issues.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at Saint Augustin Catholic Church, 545 42nd Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be held one hour prior at the church.
Nan was born December 26, 1928, to Raymond and Maxine Yates of Booneville, Mississippi. Nan spent a lifetime cheerfully serving other people. She held leadership positions in many Catholic movements including Cursillo, TEC, CEW, and Renew. She was a charter member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council and also functioned as a Lector and Minister of the Eucharist. She spent more than twenty years teaching G.E.D. preparation and helped literally hundreds of people to a better life through increased education.
Nan was loved by everyone who knew her, for her bright smile and loving disposition. She is survived by sons Stephen of Ottumwa and Michael of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, sister Bee House of Des Moines, and grandchildren Patrick of Des Moines, Haley of Chicago, and Samantha of Cedar Rapids. Win, her loving husband of 62 years, her parents, and grandson Ryan preceded her in death.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Terry Lindsley from Council Bluffs
07/23/2012
To the Douglass family,
I read of Nan's passing in the Sunday paper. With the recent loss of Win and now Nan, my heart goes out to you.
I knew Win & Nan from St. Augustine's many years ago. Both were a joy to know. I was a priest at St. Augustine's at that time, some 30+ years ago. We were part of the spiritual renewal movement then shortly after Vatican II.
I had the opportunity about a year ago to visit with both of them when I was in Des Moines, a time when Nan was alert and able to visit.
Barb (my wife) and my prayers go with Nan and for the family left behind.
May your grieving lead to a deep peace with her passing and a belief that she is now just fine and surrounded by peace and love.
Barb & Mike Arkwright
07/22/2012
We send our sincere sympathy to you all as we read of Nan's death today. Many Many fun times tailgaiting at Iowa State games! We were also shocked to learn of Win's passing in March. We were not here at the time. You were blessed with wonderful parents, we were blessed with wonderful friends. Barb & Mike
Mary Drey
07/21/2012
My deepest sympathy to you all in the loss of both your Mom and Dad. Nan was a wonderful woman whom I admired from an early age. She and I served on TEC teams and I always thought how very cool she was and loved serving with her. My heart goes out to all of you. She and Win were very close friends of my parents, Bill and Rosemary Drey. I know she is being greeted in heaven by all of those who proceeded her. ~ Mary Drey
Joe McGuire and Family
07/21/2012
Nan, Mrs Douglas to me, was a wonderful lady who was a dear friend to my folks throughout much of their lives. She touched me personally and many others and she will be greatly missed.