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Nancy Elizabeth Pollock

Nancy Elizabeth Pollock, age 60 of River Falls died Monday, December 30, 2013 at Afton Care Center, Afton, MN after a long, bravely fought, battle with Multiple Sclerosis.Nancy was born on March 2, 1953 to Donald and Doris (Thompson) Pollock in Vermillion, SD. She spent much of her youth growing up in St. Cloud Minnesota, and then, River Falls, WI. She graduated from River Falls Senior High School in 1971. She attended the University of Wisconsin River Falls, where she studied both vocal and piano performance, eventually completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. While there, Nancy became involved with the world of opera. She was offered the position of assistant conductor to Stefan Minde, at Portland Opera in Portland, Oregon. While living in Portland, she was able to complete her Master’s in Piano Performance, and established her career in professional opera, along with teaching music education, in the Portland Public Schools. She retired earlier than she would have preferred, due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis, then decided to move back to her home town of River Falls, where she could be closer to her family. She enjoyed many good years in River Falls, with family and friends.Nancy married twice, never had children of her own, but was very fond of animals, especially dogs and cats. She had many wonderful pets in her lifetime and was a member of The Humane Society. She also was a member of The Metropolitan Opera Guild. She enjoyed music, theatre, and the visual arts. After her return to River Falls, she became an active member of the former Trinity Episcopal Church, serving as church organist, for several years. After it’s closing, Nancy decided to become a member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in River Falls.She lived a very full, exciting, and happy life. Even in her later years , when her illness seemed to take it’s toll, she still managed to flash her beautiful blue eyes, and engaging smile at who ever came her way.Nancy is survived by two sisters, Susan Pollock of Minneapolis and Mary Pollock of River Falls. She is further survived by a niece, Alison (Justin) Kleist of River Falls; five great-nieces, Elizabeth, Ashley, Ava, Isabelle, and Ella, and a brother-in-law, James Ritts of River Falls. She is preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Doris Pollock, and a sister, Barbara Ritts.