Nora L. Nieder

Funeral services for Nora “Nanny” Nieder, 90, will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday April 22, 2014 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
She passed away Thursday, April 17, 2014 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
Nanny was born February 11, 1924 in New York City, NY the daughter of Edward Raymond and Elizabeth Mae Purcell. She began her working career as an Executive Secretary to the Vice President of the American Chicle Company in New York City until she married Clifford P. Nieder and moved to Kansas. Settling in Lawrence with four children Nanny became very devoted to her family, community, and the KU Men’s Basketball team. Nanny was an outstanding member of St Johns the Evangelist Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, and Alter Society Group 6. She became one of the first women to volunteer her time at St John’s Catholic School while also being a Cub and Girl Scout Leader for all of her children. Nanny spent the last half her career working at Watkins Memorial Heath Center as Head of House Keeping. She worked there for 31 years before retiring in 2008 at the age of 84.
Nanny was the backbone to the family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Survivors include one daughter Mary Beth Nieder, Eudora; two sons, Ed Nieder wife Irene Armstrong, and Pat Nieder all of Lawrence; five grandchildren, Kara Nieder, Patrick Nieder wife Marie Daniels, Noreen Nieder, all of Lawrence, Abby Reynolds, Eudora, Austen Nieder, Gillespie, IL, and Keith Reynolds, Eudora; six great grandchildren Andrey Nieder, Hailee Nieder, Kathryn Nieder, Isabel Nieder, and Raylin Nieder, all of Lawrence. She was preceded in death by one daughter Noreen Nieder, in 1976; one great granddaughter, Chloe Nieder in 2012; and one brother, Raymond Edward Purcell.
The family will greet friends from 6-8 pm on Monday April 21, 2014 at the mortuary in Lawrence.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to help the family with funeral expenses to Edward Nieder in care of the mortuary.

4 Condolences

  1. Sheila Ward on April 18, 2014 at 2:30 pm

    So sorry to hear of Noras passing. She was one tough lady and I will miss seeing her at the grocery store. I will also miss her honest and quick humor. She was a hard worker, loved her children, and grandchildren and was always nice to me whenever we crossed paths. Much love and prayers to Pat, Eddie and the family. I look forward to seeing her again one day in heaven!



  2. Nancy Kane, Oro Valley, AZ on April 19, 2014 at 12:06 pm

    Nora was one of the most delightful people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences to her family, as well as to Debbie and her true friends at Watkins, who I am sure will miss her. Rock Chalk Jayhawk, Nora!



  3. Gene Bean on April 20, 2014 at 11:02 am

    Mary Beth, so sorry for your family’s loss. You have my sympathy and prayers. God bless you all.



  4. Cheryl Culp on April 22, 2014 at 9:52 am

    Sorry to hear Nanna passed – she will be missed. I for one am a better person for knowing Ms Nora and will always remember her with fond memories. I have wonderful stories and memories that always bring a smile to my face. My love to Eddie, Pat and Mary Beth and their families. I to look forward to seeing her again one day in heaven. I know heaven is a brighter place now that she is there – keep em laughing Nanna and enjoy your time with your loved ones – I know they welcomed you with loving arms.



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