Nancy Doner Salmon of Sparta, N.J., died peacefully at Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice in Newton, N.J., on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, less than a month after being diagnosed with glioblastoma. She was 84.
Daughter of the late Mary (Brunzlick) and Sherman Russell Doner, she was born in Newark, N.J., on July 13, 1936, and raised in Mountain Lakes, N,J. She was a graduate of Mountain Lakes High School, where she met her future husband, Frederick W. Salmon, and in 1958 earned her bachelor of arts in music at Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Va. Nancy and Fred were married Sept. 13, 1958, and lived in various locations including Texas, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, while he served in the U.S. Air Force, before settling in Sparta. They celebrated their 62nd anniversary last year.
A homemaker, Nancy taught kindergarten at Wilson School in Mountain Lakes 1962-63; was a Cub Scout Den Mother, and a substitute teacher in the Sparta school district for many years. Friendly and soft-spoken, she was always thinking of others, focused on her family, and proud of her children and grandchildren. Nancy volunteered with the Sparta Township Cultural Affairs Committee, serving as co-chair of the summer concert series for many years. She was a member of Sparta Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School, ushered, and sang in choir. She also was a member of the Sparta Women’s Club; PEO; Salmon Family Association; and the American Association of University Women. Nancy played the piano and trumpet, and enjoyed sailing, skiing, biking, hiking, and playing tennis. She was a member of Sweet Adelines singing group and also the Cruiser Club Synchronized Swimming group.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, David of Sparta, Carolyn George (Derek), of Morgantown, Pa., and Kenneth, of Sparta; grandchildren, Derek, Christopher, Austin, and Lucia; and cousin, Arnold “Skeet” Brunzlick, of Augusta, Wis., who along with his late brother, Martin, was raised in the same household and was like a brother to Nancy.
A private service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Sparta Presbyterian Church, 32 Main Street, Sparta, NJ 07871; Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Avenue, Newton, NJ 07860; or a charity of your choice.