Nancy Contolini was born on August 11, 1947 in Bridgeport, Connecticut to John and Helen Contolini. She passed away on September 9, 2025.
Nancy grew up in Fairfield, Connecticut and earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Trinity College, plus a Master of Science degree at the University of Bridgeport. Her passion was education and she spent her career as a devoted, highly accomplished high school biology teacher, helping her students discover their own learning passions and life work.
Some time back, one of her former students (now a research scientist in microbiology at Woods Hole, Massachusetts) wrote her a letter. When he was still in high school, Nancy had recognized his potential in the field of biology and had him switch his enrollment to the honors class that she taught. He wrote to her that, had it not been for her, “I would not be the person I am today,” writing of the “…profound effect you had on my education and career.” He wrote, “…what an outstanding teacher you have been for me.”
Throughout her career, Nancy received numerous awards, including the “Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching” in 1996. She never stopped learning, including a sabbatical at Oak Ridge National Laboratories in Tennessee where she learned more about biotechnology. She took that knowledge back to her students, receiving a Christa McAuliffe Program grant to establish a biotechnology learning center at her high school.
During her retirement Nancy resided in Nedonna Beach, Oregon, serving her community in several ways. Active in the American Association of University Women (AAUW), she also became a children’s advocate in Tillamook County’s “Court Appointed Special Advocate” (CASA) program. She was a hardworking volunteer at both the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum and the Rockaway Beach Library. As a longtime Board member at Tides of Change (the local organization that helps survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault) Nancy also served as the office’s volunteer receptionist.
Nancy’s parents predeceased her, as did her brother Robert and sister Arty. She is survived by her sister Carol, brother-in-law David Ringelberg of Bradford, Vermont, sister-in-law Judy Contolini, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life for Nancy will be held in the Bunker Grill at Alderbrook Golf Course from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on November 9, 2025.