Nancy Carolyn (Goodin) Abramovitz, 59, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away surrounded by family and friends, Sunday, January 8th, at her home after a long and courageous battle with kidney cancer. Several of her physicians, nurses and caregivers said they were impressed with how strong Nancy was while fighting the disease. Nancy was born December 15, 1946, in Springfield, Mo., to Dorothy and Ora Goodin. Both have preceded her in death. She received her Master of Arts Degree in Teaching from Webster University in 1996 and was named to the Who's Who of Teaching. Nancy taught at several school districts in Missouri and Kansas, including Independence, Seaman in Topeka, and North Kansas City School District where she retired in 2004 after 25 years of teaching. In her career, she taught all of the elementary grades except kindergarten. Nancy married Alan Abramovitz on June 24, 1973, and they were married over 32 years while raising one daughter. Nancy and Alan came from very different backgrounds, but their great love and respect for each other overcame any obstacles that they faced. They were best friends. Nancy loved to travel, take Sunday drives, attend movies, eat out and spend time with family, especially all of her nieces and nephews. Survivors include her husband, Alan; daughter, Jennifer Booker and son-in-law, Ross; brothers, Robert Goodin and wife, Dixie, of Sun City West, Arizona; Dr. L. Wayne Goodin and wife, Cheryl, of Republic, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog Heidi. The family wants to give special thanks to all of the caregivers from Saint Luke's Home Care and Hospice and special friends Shauna Martinez, Katherine Middleton, Carolyn Pearl and Leslie Roe. Nancy was an inspiration to many of her students who kept in touch with her throughout the years. She was an honorable woman and was a great friend to all who knew her. She loved life and anyone who knew her received a priceless gift in their own life. She will be forever in our hearts. Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 11, 2006, at the Highland Community of Christ Church, 7615 NW Platte Purchase Dr., Kansas City, Mo. Graveside services were held at Hazelwood Cemetery, Springfield, MO

(Source: Springfield News-Leader)