Nancy Cates

Nancy Ruth Sommerville Cates, born on August 4, 1952, left this world peacefully at the age of 73, surrounded by her loving family in Chanhassen, MN, after bravely battling Alzheimer's Disease.

Nancy grew up in St. Anthony Village, MN, graduating from St. Anthony Village High School in 1970, followed by a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of St. Benedict in December 1974. A true adventurer at heart, Nancy embraced the opportunity to spend 6 months studying and traveling in Mexico. This cultural immersion inspired her to serve as a Rotary exchange student in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, in 1970, where she tutored students in English. After graduating from college, she continued this meaningful work as a middle school and high school Spanish teacher and later as an ESL teacher  at the Vocational Technical College in Faribault, MN.

She took a sabbatical from her teaching career to raise her children returning to her career when they were older. Her greatest accomplishment was her children, and in later years, the joy of spending time with her grown children and cherished grandchildren. Nancy possessed a deep love for travel and adventure, and her kind personality had an extraordinary way of brightening every room she entered. She found joy in the simple pleasures of crafting greeting cards, knitting, sewing, and embarking on spontaneous getaways with her sisters. One of Nancy's greatest joys was a warm cup of coffee and a good chat with those she loved.  Her passions included the quiet solace of reading, the creativity of decorating her home and the tranquility of time spent at the lake. She was a vibrant presence, actively involved in her community, church, and schools, always embodying a selfless spirit and prioritizing her family above all else. Nancy was a beacon of encouragement and positivity, brimming with energy, always ready to uplift others, and inspire them to "get up and make the world sing." She will be profoundly missed, and her memory will forever resonate in our hearts.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas M. Sommerville & Mary Almehda Sommerville. Father of her children, Mark Cates; her sister, Patricia Peterson; brother, Michael Sommerville; and sister, Mary Jane Sommerville.

Nancy is survived by her sisters, Jean Kellogg (Edward) and Anne Stemp (Ralph); her brothers, Robert Sommerville and John Sommerville (Joann); and her brother-in-law, Michael Peterson. Her legacy lives on through her three devoted children, Dean Cates (Katie), Liz Faulstick (Ryan), and Joe Cates (Gwen); and her five adoring grandchildren, Grayson Faulstick, Graham Faulstick, Penny Cates, Fiona Cates, and Jameson Cates. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews as well as friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, November 10 at 11 am with a visitation an hour prior at Pax Christi Catholic Community, 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, 55347.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, honoring Nancy's courageous battle. Donations can be made online here.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of Riley's Crossing and Brighton Hospice team, especially her caregivers, whose unwavering passion and dedication helped mom enjoy and thrive during her final years.