Nancy Euceba (Smith) Groom

Nancy Euceba (Smith) Groom passed away due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease Friday August 11, 2017 in Kirksville, Missouri.  She was born December 28, 1943 in Charlottesville, Virginia to her parents Eugene William Smith 07/31/13 – 04/25/80 and Mary Frances Cook (Smith) 10/27/13 – 2/8/84.  One sister, Louise Ann Smith (Barnard) 12/22/41 – 10/18/11 completed their family unit.  At the finish of her father’s research at the nearby university, these four returned to the family farm near Newark, Missouri.  The girls grew up best friends in a close family that cared deeply for each other.  They attended the one room school in nearby Plevna, Missouri and were baptized believers of the Novelty Christian Church.  Childhood was bright and fun with music a part of life at an early age.  Farm life was without conveniences at times, but the girls had security of being accepted, safe, and tight-knit with their mother and daddy.

Nancy received her diploma from Novelty High School in the spring of 1961 and was prepared to marry her high school sweetheart.  Daddy made a strong persuasion for Nancy to earn a college degree before anything else, just as he had done for her sister.  In Kirksville, Missouri Nancy raced to a music major and teaching degree from Northeast Missouri State College where Daddy was a professor of physics faculty member.  Her wedding with James Howard Swann finally happened November 27, 1964.  Their marriage produced one son, James Thomas Swann (Groom) born February 21, 1968.  The union failed soon after.

Nancy relocated along with her sister Louise, to Puerto Rico.  Both went straight to work teaching Navy brats on the Roosevelt Roads base.  Her passion for music and teaching led to producing plays, choir recitals, and band performances.  The Caribbean life and exploration of the islands was outstanding.  Summer and winter breaks accommodated travel back and forth to Missouri.

A second marriage to Donald Charles Groom took Nancy and James to Ventura, California in the spring of 1974.  She remained in middle school classrooms in that area until retirement, with Ventura Unified School District 1975 -1980 and Los Cerritos Unified 1981 – 1994.  While music remained the focus she added English to her repertoire.  Nancy led an award winning marching band along with successful choirs and smaller ensembles.  Music was her universal language that touched so many lives in a positive way, from friends to students to audiences.  She played in many community bands, orchestras, symphonies, quartets, for the public, private, and church groups.

While the second marriage did not last, Nancy remained in Ventura County.  She and her sister faced the trial of losing their parents.  Louise gave birth to a daughter, Nancy’s favorite niece, Deanna Lynne Barnard whom she loves deeply.  And James had a daughter, Nancy’s granddaughter, pride and joy, Ashlynn Rene Groom born August 5, 1993.  These girls are Nancy’s new hope for the future generations; she savored the relationships and times spent together.

Nancy enjoyed travelling abroad and the great outdoors during her lifetime.  There were extended visits back to the farm to reconnect with the land, visit old friends, and special occasion trips to see Louise, Deanna, and family.  She took care of herself and enjoyed walking, bicycling, and swimming.  Nancy was an avid cat lover and had several beautiful feline companions.  Some of her travel highlights were Alaska, Canada, and Hawaii.  She travelled by airplane, train rail, automobile, and cruise ship.  Nancy entered her path to retirement in 1997.  She continued to provide private lessons and tutor for students.  All the while she balanced several musical endeavors at the same time, enjoying music club, church lunches, band, and clarinet quartet.  Nancy enjoyed the evolution of the PC age as an avid print shop creator, game and puzzle queen, and loved to keep up with friends via email.  She appreciated friendships with many fine people in her lifetime.

Nancy returned to Missouri in July of 2011 with James’ family, for Ashlynn to attend Nancy’s alma mater, Truman State University, a lovely tribute to the legacy of Nancy and Nancy’s father.  While the intention was to be closer to the family and the land she loved, she was battling the affliction of dementia.  Nancy remained a warrior, enduring a decade long journey with what is most likely Alzheimer’s disease.  She portrayed courage, true fortitude, and endured countless indignities.  Her family is grateful to all the caregivers that contributed an assist in Nancy’s care.  In lieu of ceremony gesture, we would like to request memorial gifts be placed by donation to the Truman State University Foundation, McClain Hall 205, 100 East Normal Avenue, Kirksville, MO, 63501-4221 directed to the Dr. Eugene W. Smith Scholarship #R10118.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 16, 2017, from 1 p.m. till 5p.m. in the Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral HOme in Kirksville, MO.  There will be no service.  Private family burial will be held at a later date in the Newark Cemetery, Nrewark, MO.