Nancy L. Kewin, 68, of Sparta died Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.

     A Sparta native, she married Dr. John Kewin in 1959. and assisted in his Sparta Optometry clinic until his death in 1991.

     Nancy was active and involved in her community at many levels, from serving publicly on the Franciscan Skemp Foundation Board, to serving anonymously as a hotline crisis intervention counselor. She attended every fund-raising event, parade and ceremony and played or substituted in nearly every bridge club in town.

     Nancy had a sense of style that belied her age, and a sense of humor that belied all adversity. Her unassuming attitude, charm, and genuine interest in the well being of others put even the most tense situations at ease. She was both the perfect hostess, and the perfect guest. She will be sorely missed by the entire community.

     Nancy was a lifelong resident of Sparta and Nancy enjoyed her community and traveled extensively throughout the world. She loved animals and had a menagerie of dogs and cats over the years.

     She is survived by two daughters, Kathryn Jensen of Madison, Jennifer Kewin of Madison; three grandchildren, Jessica Kewin of Chicago, Jason Jensen of La Crosse, and Zachary Thomas of Madison; six nieces and nephews, and her special friend, Stan Herrman of Sparta.

     She was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia; her husband Dr. John Kewin, and a sister, Fern L. Newburg.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta with Father James Leary O.F.M. Cap. officiating. Burial will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to St. Claire Mission Clinic or the Franciscan Skemp Foundation.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.