Grace Eleanor (Ridgley) Nasci – nick name Nini – passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 30, 2016.
Grace (Nini) was born on March 7, 1920 in Caruthersville, MO to Harry and Lissie Ridgley. She had five brothers and sisters who all preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughters, Elisa Nasci Wood, Sparks, NV and Amy Nasci Worden, Half Moon Bay, CA. She had a son, John David Berger, formerly of Albuquerque. Additionally, she had her adored grandchildren, Meredith West, San Francisco, CA; Celeste Jolly, Sparks, NV, Lindsey Burgess, Sparks, NV, Kyle Wood, Reno, NV, and Corey Wood, Sparks, NV. She was blessed with great grandchildren; Anna Staggs, Max Burgess, Sawyer Burgess and Monroe Jolly; all of Sparks, NV.
Grace attended nursing school at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Hospital , St. Louis, MO and then studied early childhood education at Southeast Missouri State Teacher’s College. After marrying her first husband, she moved from Missouri to Albuquerque, NM; where she was very active at the First Presbyterian Church; singing in choir and frequently assisting with choir direction and substituting on the organ. After marrying her second husband, they moved to Santa Fe, NM; where Grace continued her service to church in the choir and with a local women’s community service group, Nell’s Girls.
After returning to Albuquerque, she was a strong supporter of the arts, including the symphony and opera; and of course, continued work at the First Presbyterian Church, opera and Symphony. She began her second career as a music teacher, mentoring many students of voice, organ and piano. In the early seventies, she moved to Fallbrook, CA. In addition to working at Camp Pendleton; Grace began playing for Sunday services at three different base chapels. She continued her teaching career; with many, many students not only learning to appreciate music; she also inspired and coached many students on to professional music careers.
After attending her 50th high school reunion, Grace returned home to Caruthersville, MO for several years. Again, music being the sustaining part of her life. Teaching piano and voice students and working diligently at the First Presbyterian Church in Caruthersville as both organist and choir director, she brought an new level of expertise to the music portion of the church services and is well loved and remembered for her dedication to the church and membership. The church is having a plaque for her service made and installed; dedicated to her memory.
In 1986, Grace moved to her final home; in Reno, NV. By then, she was mostly retired, but still taught a few students. The majority of her time was spent at church at St. John’s Presbyterian Church. Active in choir, serving as organist and pianist as needed; women’s prayer and service groups; she was an inspiration to the church community. In her spare time, she also volunteered at the Catholic Community Services, KNPB and Republican Women’s Club. One of her greatest joys was attending the Nevada Opera performances; being an annual ticket holder.
She will be missed by many people that she touched throughout her life.
In her words, “Love, forever and ever, Amen. “

Services will be Saturday, September 10, 2016 at St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Reno at 2PM. Private interment service for family has been scheduled. Reception to follow at the church multi-purpose room.

Donations may be made in Grace’s name to any program promoting music in the schools, KNPB, Catholic Community Services, or St John’s Community Church. Flowers are also gratefully accepted.

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