Nancy was born in New Jersey and grew up in the Methodist Church. The family of four was not very religious although they followed the 10 commandments and many of the tenants of the Methodist church.

Nancy attended 5 different schools and in different states during her elementary school years. One of the moves was to Nancy’s grandmothers’ house. Her grandparents were very strict Methodists and there were many rules to follow. They were in church 3 times on Sunday and once on Wednesday. Each morning, the children had a bible reading and a prayer before going to school. She wasn’t allowed to see movies, play card games, drink alcoholic beverages, or dance. Sundays were meant for religious services only.

Although her upbringing was strict, Nancy loved to go to church where “everybody knew my name”. She was related to many in the congregation.

Nancy didn’t question her religious beliefs until college. This was a time when she began observing the behavior of her relatives. One incident that was important in her life was the behavior of a relative who was a “Garden State” farmer. He sought out Puerto Rican migrant workers to work on his farms. He put them up in cinderblock housing, minimally furnished and paid them less than what he paid other workers.

A critical article appeared on the front page of the New York Times about him and his relationship with the migrants. Nancy was struck by this behavior and one Thanksgiving she rebelled by eating alone in the kitchen. She explained to those present why she was protesting.

It wasn’t until she had children that she searched for a church where she would be comfortable taking them. This search led Nancy to the Unitarian Church in Michigan.

When her family moved to Louisville, she took the children to the First Church. When the church didn’t have childcare available and Nancy was pregnant with her 6th child, she moved to Thomas Jefferson. She officially became a member in 1965.

Nancy feels that TJ is the only place that she feels comfortable “being me”. Her life has been blessed to have found a spiritual home here.