Age 95, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2021 in Honolulu Hawaii. She was born to Paul and Mildred Ebersole on Dec. 12, 1925 in South Dakota and was raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Nancy is survived by her sons Christopher (Edie), Jeffrey (Claudia) and Brian (Kate); grandchildren Katherine, Kevin, Eric, Kelsey, Whitney, Megan, Molly and her brother Robert (Doris). She has four great-grandchildren. Her husband Robert Lewis Johnson preceded her in death in 2009.Nancy received a B.S. degree (Chemistry) from Iowa State in 1947, followed by a master's degree (food and nutrition) in 1949. In 1969 she received a Ph.D. from the Department of Nutritional Science at University of Wisconsin-Madison and subsequently served on the faculty in the department for over 20 years, including a joint appointment with University of Wisconsin-Extension. Through this appointment she traveled throughout the state, educating people about the importance of nutrition. In 1986 she was asked to become the chairperson of the Department of Food and Nutrition at the University of Hawaii, where she served until retirement in 1996. In 2000 she was awarded emeritus status at UW.
Nancy relished the academic environment and years spent with students and faculty. She traveled extensively throughout the world and enjoyed meeting colleagues with a focus on international nutritional problems. She maintained a high level of intellectual curiosity throughout her life and was an avid reader on many subjects. She participated in athletics during her earlier years. Her favorite sport was golf. She lived in Hawaii for over 30 years and traveled back and forth to Wisconsin frequently. She appreciated the beauty of Hawaii, taking frequent walks and observing the sunsets. She enjoyed music, the arts and fine dining; especially desserts (her most favorite were a Wisconsin turtle sundae and Hawaiian lava cake).
A private family service is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the University of Wisconsin Foundation (Nutritional Sciences Department Fund), or University of Hawaii Foundation (Human Nutrition and Food Sciences).
Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
