The Familial Glue: Nancy Schuman has always been the centerpiece of her family, although she does not like being the center of attention

Nancy Schuman is the matriarch and heart of a big happy family, and her kids and grandkids are proud to have her in their lives. She has always been there for them, supporting them and loving them fiercely. Nancy has a gift for knowing exactly what someone needs, whether it’s a hot cup of tea and conversation, a good laugh, an early breakfast, or a quiet walk.

“Grandma has taught me so much,” Angela said. “She’s taught me that a great meal isn’t just food on a plate; it’s an invitation to gather, to laugh, to love and to make memories. I’ve learned that living a creative life is more than what is on a canvas—it’s in connecting to something bigger than just yourself through the garden she grows; it’s how the art she makes that lives on the wall in your home warms your heart and brings a smile to you face every time you look at it. It’s in building a life full of beauty.”

Nancy’s family looks up to her for her wisdom and her quiet strength, and they appreciate the unconditional love she exudes on a daily basis. From being a loving wife for over 50 years to being the most devoted mother and dedicated grandmother, she has always been there for her family.

She’s also proof that adventure doesn’t fade with age. Whether she’s hiking up a mountain faster than anyone else, holding her own in a game of canasta, having a picnic of fried chicken or cross-country skiing on Christmas Eve, Nancy embraces life with enthusiasm and courage. She’s never been afraid to get her hands dirty.

“I admire her ability to make things,” her eldest son Monty said. “She could always make the best Halloween costumes. She never complained when my father would call last minute to say he was bringing a guest for dinner. She’d help my dad with projects around the house. She’s so kind and has a great sense of humor.”

Nancy’s big heart is shown in her presence and dedication. She volunteered for years as a church youth leader and 4-H leader, even going on memorable camping trips to the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone for her youth group—trips filled with fun and adventure.

She’s made countless memories with her family too, from the butterscotch pie to her husband’s face to the shoe prank she pulled at a wedding. At the center of every beloved story is Nancy.

“There are so many things that make my grandma amazing, but if I had to choose one word, it would be cookies,” Angela said. “And not just because her cookies are delicious (they are!), but because of why her freezer is always full of them. She knows how much everyone loves them. That cookie tin is like her love: always there; constant; dependable. Her cookies are about love—about making everyone feel cared for, with a love that stays with you.”

Her grandkids and great-grandkids adore visiting their GG and treasure the bond they share with her. They love spending time with her whenever they can, and Nancy’s kids feel the same way.

“She has been the perfect mother,” Monty said. “She is always there if you need her. She’s always willing to help. She took care of all of us making sure we had what we needed, making do with whatever we had. She would can and freeze vegetables and fruits from the garden every year to make sure we were never without food.”

Even as she worked hard to provide, Nancy also made time for fun and adventure, making each child feel special.

She stepped up even more when their father became ill, showing the depth of her loving, sometimes over-worrying heart. Nancy loves her family more than anything, and she’s a role model for living with compassion and strength

“She taught me to be a good husband and parent,” Monty said. “She also taught me to value family, because they will always help you when you need it. She has instilled in me a sense of hard work and to not take anything for granted.”

And none of them take Nancy for granted.

“From my grandma, I’ve learned that strength and love aren’t opposites—they belong together,” Angela said. “She’s shown me what it looks like to love fiercely—with loyalty, laughter and kindness, and that being independent doesn’t mean doing it all alone—it means having the courage to try, to fail, to get dirty, and to keep going.”

Nancy has always loved her family for who they are and encouraged them to become who they want to be. She’s proud of each of them—and they, in turn, are endlessly proud to have her as their Mom, Grandma and GG.

“Mom has been the glue holding the family together,” Monty said. “A great-grandmother, loved by all of us. Her unconditional love will be forever cherished. Thank you for all you’ve sacrificed and done for me over the years.”