Nancy Ann Lea, 56, of St. Cloud, Minn., formerly of Blooming Prairie, died peacefully in her sleep on Sept. 4, 2011.

Nancy Ann Ingvalson was born on Oct. 5, 1954, in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota to Reuben and Marceil (Johnson) Ingvalson. She graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1972 and the Austin Junior College Nursing Program in 1973. She married Randy Lea July 28, 1973, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. They later divorced.

Nancy worked as an LPN for 15 years in the Owatonna area. After moving from Blooming Prairie and living in St. Paul and Austin, she moved to St. Cloud where she was employed by JC Penney, working in store support. She loved her job. Nancy was especially grateful for the training, support, and encouragement given to her by the WACOSA staff in St. Cloud — a non-profit organization committed to helping individuals with disabilities to realize their full potential in the workplace. As an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud, Nancy especially enjoyed the fellowship and looked forward to acting as a greeter or as an usher on Sundays.

Over the years, Nancy had the opportunity to work and become a member at YMCAs in St. Paul, Austin, and St. Cloud. She looked forward each week to the comraderie provided by staff and the other members. Exercising, especially walking, was a passion of hers. Nancy participated in several Walk-A-Thons each year. The walks for the American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society, and the Arthritis Foundation were particularly important to her. Nancy volunteered once a week at the St. Cloud Hospital. She made a difference in the lives of patients and families with her ready smile and willingness to help. Nancy’s number-one joy was her grandchildren. She shared their pictures and stories whenever the opportunity presented itself. We extend a heartfelt thank you to the Courage Center of Golden Valley and Nancy’s family and friends for their prayers, love, and support for her over the years.

Survivors included her children, Jamie (Mike) Bisek of New Prague, Anthony (Colette) Lea of Blooming Prairie; three grandchildren, Rachel and Jacob Bisek of New Prague, Beckett Lea of Blooming Prairie; brothers, Steven (Patricia) Ingvalson of Blooming Prairie, David (Nellie Mae) Ingvalson of Sauk Rapids; seven nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her stepfather, Robert Hunter.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, at St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Blooming Prairie, with Father William Kulas officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be at First Lutheran Cemetery, Blooming Prairie. Memorials are preferred to the American Diabetes Association. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.