Nancy was born to Juanita and Dr. Joe Daily on December 7, 1939, in Champagne, Illinois.

On graduation from Champagne High School, she started her college career at Albion College in Michigan where she met her future husband Spencer during their freshman year. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega. Following graduation from Albion, she went on to the University of Iowa, where she completed her degree in Dietetics.

In December 1963, she married Spencer Holmes and the couple moved to New York, where he was in medical school at the University of Rochester. Nancy worked as a dietitian at Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital. She also received a master’s degree in education at the University of Rochester.

In 1970 they moved to Iowa City where Spencer started his residency in Internal Medicine and Nancy became a dietitian at University Hospitals. Their first daughter Melanie was born in 1967. Daughter Sally was born in 1969. After completing the tour of duty in Vietnam the young family of four moved to Monterey, California to complete the Army obligation. They then returned to Iowa City when Spencer started his residency in Dermatology. Gretchen, daughter number three, was born in 1971. In 1973 the family of five moved to Plymouth, Minnesota or Spencer joined the Park Nicollet Clinic.

Nancy was always supportive of the arts and a music lover, especially of classical music. She was a clarinetist in high school and became accomplished with the piano. She became active in the early Suzuki violin program in the Wayzata Schools. She loved and attended years of performances of the Minnesota Orchestra. Nancy had a very satisfying and significant 20 year career at General Mills in the nutrition department. In today’s times that she would absolutely be named a “foodie.” She loved to cook, learn new recipes and entertain family and friends. She became a docent at the Weisman Art Museum, and for five years was a guardian ad litem with the Hennepin County Juvenile Court. As a member of Wayzata Community Church, she served on many committees, but most enjoyed the Art and Design Committee. Her woman’s book club was another of her loves. She enjoyed long walks and became a very good tennis player. She and Spencer enjoyed world travel by visiting many countries in Eastern and Western Europe, Asia, the Middle East and South America.

Nancy has survived by her husband, Spencer; her three daughters, Melanie Dewitt, Sally Engebretson, and Gretchen Placzek. Grandchildren include Addie, Grant and Finn Placzek of Orinda, California, Maddy Dewitt of Rapids City, Andy Dewitt of San Diego, John Engebretson of Long Lake, and Libby Engebretson of Philadelphia. Nancy‘s only sibling Eileen Daily passed away at the age of 15 from a rare malignancy.

Memorials may be directed to Children’s Cancer Research fund (CCRF) 1650 W. 82nd St. Suite 400 Minneapolis, MN 55431.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Wayzata Community Church, 125 E. Wayzata Boulevard Wayzata, Minnesota at 10 AM on Friday, August 14, 2026.