Nancy Polsin

Nancy Helen Polsin passed away January 26, 2026, at the age of 90.

Nancy was born on October 19, 1935, in West Bend, Wisconsin, to Alex and Lenore Wickert. She grew up alongside her brother, Dick, and her sister, Donna. After graduating from high school, Nancy attended St. Agnes School of Nursing in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where she received her RN degree, beginning a lifelong career devoted to caring for others.

Shortly after graduating from St. Agnes, Nancy met her future husband, Jim, who happened to be her best friend Pat’s brother. Jim and Nancy were married June 14, 1958, and shared a glorious 60 years of marriage. While Jim pursued educational and teaching opportunities, they lived in Oshkosh, Wisconsin; Lawrence, Kansas; and Spokane, Washington, before settling in Missoula. While working full-time as an RN, Nancy had four sons—Mike, Tim, Tom, and Andy—who were the center of her life.

Nancy spent many years working as a pediatric RN at St. Patrick Hospital and for various vocational rehabilitation organizations as a nurse case manager in Missoula. Demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning, Nancy later earned her BSN degree in Nursing from Montana State University.

Nancy loved traveling and camping. She and Jim took almost weekly summer trips to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, or Seeley Lake. In addition to visiting many historical sites throughout the U.S., she and Jim made several trips overseas to learn about different cultures and explore places of historical significance. Education was always at the core of Nancy’s life; she enjoyed MOLLI classes at the University of Montana, as well as Bible study classes at Christ the King. She also enjoyed sewing and knitting, making many sweaters for herself, Jim, the boys, and the grandkids. She loved gardening and baking, and was an avid reader. Nancy gave generously of her time through volunteer work, including serving at polling places during elections, delivering Meals on Wheels, and volunteering at St. Patrick Hospital.

Nancy is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law: Tim (Kelly), Tom (Leslie), and Andy (Debbie); her grandchildren Patrick, Laree, Zachary, Elizabeth, Alex, Nick, Rebecca, Jillian, and Sarah; and her great-grandson Adrian. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jim, her son Mike, her grandson Sam, her brother Dick, and her sister Donna.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages support for organizations or efforts that promote compassion, justice, and care for families and communities.

A celebration of life will be held in the summer.