Nancy Pastorino

Nancy Ann Pastorino, daughter of Charles and Marie Pastorino passed away peacefully from pneumonia, Saturday March 21, 2026, at the Norwalk Nursing Home, in Norwalk, Iowa; she was 76, miraculously passing all life expectations. There will be a private burial at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown.

Nancy was born with a major neurological brain injury, she moved to Woodward, Iowa, where she could receive special services and support for her unique needs. While at Woodward, her home for 70 years, she made many friends, as she was a favorite among staff. She enjoyed her walk from her cottage to work on campus. Nancy participated in and enjoyed the many activities at Woodward and in the community. She especially loved music, and the music at church always uplifted her and made her happy. Although limited in her ability to communicate, as she was mostly non-verbal, with an occasional “thank you,” and “Oh Oh,” her needs did not go unnoticed. Tough as nails, like her father, Nancy communicated her needs in no uncertain terms, one of the things caring staff loved about her. Nancy, like the rest of her family, loved her chocolate, and the many visits to the store with her parents or her brothers to fill up her candy bag or to enjoy an ice cream treat. No one dared to even try and take that candy bag from her; Nancy would have none of that. Her sense of humor delighted all who were around her, as she reveled in playing little tricks or laughing profusely at the mishaps of others. She was strong, determined, funny, joyful, resilient, and loyal to those caretakers who served her and who became part of her loving family.

She was deeply connected to her parents, while alive, and her brothers until her passing. Nancy was a special soul, who brought laughter and love to many. She is survived by her three brothers Ray, Frank and John and their partners Alex, Vic and Cindy. Though vulnerable, she lived with dignity, strength and courage. She will be deeply missed.

The family would like to thank the staff at Norwalk and Hospice for their loving support and care for Nancy. Her last months were filled will compassion, comfort, and a beautiful quality of life that was an unexpected gift for Nancy and for her family. We, the family, will forever be grateful for their loving kindness.