Nancy Marie Woods Frank

November 21, 1947 – January 28, 2025

Nancy Marie Woods Frank, beloved wife, mother, grandmother (affectionately known as “Gigi”), sister, aunt, and friend, passed away surrounded by her loving spouse and children on January 28, 2025.

Nancy was born on November 21, 1947, to Roger and Helen Woods in Salt Lake City, Utah, the fifth of nine children. Her siblings have many fond memories of her childhood, including her love for Madame Alexander dolls. Nancy was well-mannered, always dressed neatly, and took great pride in her schoolwork, particularly her flawless penmanship. She had a natural sense of humor and enjoyed laughing, teasing, and occasionally getting into mischief with her siblings. From her mother, she learned a variety of domestic skills, including cooking and sewing. Her father, a self-taught pianist, was passionate about bringing music into their home, so Nancy took lessons and became an accomplished pianist in her own right.

Nancy graduated from Skyline High School in 1966, and shortly after, she met her future husband, Joey, at a dance hosted by the University of Utah Institute. After the dance, he offered to give her a ride home, only to realize, once they reached her doorstep, that he had forgotten to ask her name. Despite this awkward beginning, the two continued to date. On December 14, 1967, Nancy married Joseph A. Frank Jr. in the Salt Lake Temple, and they have been inseparable ever since. Together, Nancy and Joey raised five children—Benjamin, Jonathan, Timothy, Janet, and Marcie—and were blessed with 20 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. While Nancy held several jobs, working as an administrative secretary at her family’s business, Buehner Block, at Murray High School, and at Richardson Design Partnership, her most important accomplishments occurred within the walls of her home.

Nancy's life was defined by love, humility, and Christ-centered discipleship. A woman of deep faith, Nancy served two missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with her husband, Joey: one in Berlin, Germany, in 2012, and another in the BYU Pathways program from 2018 to 2021, where they mentored students across Europe. Her service did not stop there: over the course of her life, Nancy willingly taught, ministered, and befriended in numerous church callings.

Nancy’s life was also a testament to unwavering courage, though she never sought the spotlight. While serving as a missionary in Kiel, Germany, on a cold, snowy night, she and Joey were walking home from the grocery store to their apartment when Nancy suddenly lost the strength to continue walking, coming to a standstill on the sidewalk. This moment, later recognized as one of many tender mercies, led Joey to take her to the hospital. Just hours later, she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Despite a bleak prognosis of only weeks to live, Nancy’s resilience defied expectations, allowing her to fulfill her life’s purpose for another 12 years. Throughout those years, she faced the physical and emotional toll of her illness and numerous related health challenges with unimaginable courage. During this time, she experienced countless other blessings and miracles, always feeling the sustaining love of her Heavenly Father and the unfailing companionship and care of her sweetheart, Joey.

In her personal life, Nancy shared many of her father’s interests (which were also shared by her husband), developing a deep love for literature, particularly stories of history and humanity, like Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. She was an avid fan of classical music and opera, often recalling with fondness live performances of favorites like Turandot. Nancy also had a passion for travel, delighting in adventures across Europe, while also enjoying the work and relaxation of time spent at the family cabin in Mount Pleasant. She enjoyed camping trips to Gooseberry Reservoir and other scenic locations in the family’s tent-trailer and, despite her dislike of mosquitoes, occasionally joined Joey on fishing trips.

Nancy had a unique appreciation for both the simple and the refined. She found beauty in all things, from decorating her home and taking great pride in its cleanliness to passing on those values to her children. Long before "DIY" became a trend, Nancy was a master of it—sewing doll clothes, baptismal dresses, pillows, and much more.

One of her most cherished memories came during her mission to Germany. When she and Joey arrived in Kiel, they were assigned to teach Young Single Adults. Nancy made great efforts to learn the German language (which was appreciated by members and friends), but struggled with it. She tried to introduce herself to the group leader, a handsome younger man. With a bit of naivety, she mistakenly said, "I’m sorry to meet you," to which he quickly and good-naturedly responded in perfect English with, "I’m sorry to meet you too." Although embarrassed, Nancy would recount this moment with a smile. This funny moment cemented a long-lasting friendship between them.

Nancy took great pride in her family heritage. She grew up on the same street as her Lambert cousins, who were not only family but also her "best friends." She especially cherished the time spent with them, along with her aunt, mother, and sisters, making chocolate caramels and English toffee during the Christmas season—memories that were dear to her heart.

Above all, Nancy was a devoted wife and mother, finding her greatest joy in her family. Those who knew her remember her for her deep sensitivity and kindness. Selfless to the core, she always put the needs of others before her own. Nancy leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and faith—a legacy that continues to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph Albert Frank Jr.; children, Ben (Bethany), Jon (Larissa), Tim (Nicole), Janet (Chet), and Marcie (Jake); 19 grandchildren: Allison (Evan) White, Sydney (Jake) Christensen, Hannah (Chandler) Conner, Karli (Burke) Weekes, Adeline (Jackson) Rowley, Joseph, Krista, Ethan, Ella, James, Thomas, Gabe, Thayne, Holland, Samuel, Daxton, Summer, Claire, and Jade; and 6 great-grandchildren: Rhett and Eva Christensen, Eli and Isaac White, Brooklyn, and Scottie Conner. She is also survived by her siblings, Geoff, Valerie, Jenny, and sister-in-law Michon, along with numerous extended family and friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Helen Woods; her siblings, Frederick, Anne, Sylvia, Howard, and Roger; her in-laws, Joseph and Mae Frank; sister-in-law Carolyn; and grandson Emmett Ward.

A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Parkway 3rd Ward, 3200 West 10206 South, South Jordan, Utah. A viewing will precede the service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Our deepest love until we meet again!

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