Nancy Ann Urban

Nancy Ann Zoellner Urban of Taneytown MD passed away November 23 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by daughters Christine (Doug) O’Connor of Annapolis, MD and Nancy-jo (Dave) Manney of Bradenton, FL and son, Joseph (Marianne) Urban of Frederick, MD. Nancy has three loving grandchildren - Erin O’Connor, Rory O’Connor and Trajan Urban, and one great grandson - Jackson O’Connor. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Lorenz and Doris Zoellner of Baltimore, MD and the love of her life Joseph E. Urban Jr. Nancy met Joe, who was truly the love of her life, through a close, mutual friend. Nancy and Joe married on June 6, 1964, at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD. After Joe’s graduation from VPI, now Virginia Tech, they returned to Baltimore. Nancy attended school in Baltimore, MD and graduated from Parkville Senior High School in 1961. She recently celebrated her 60th year high school reunion with dear friends. After high school, Nancy studied fashion design at the Maryland Institute of Art. She enjoyed gardening, visual arts and spent many hours working with ceramics. Nancy loved dogs and had an affinity for boxers. There was always a dog underfoot - the last being her dear Opal. As her children grew older Nancy returned to work and found her career path when she helped a sick neighbor with his optical business. Later, she co-owned, for several years in the 1980’s, a Pearl Vision Center in Westminster, MD. She finished her career working for Opti-Care in Eldersburg, MD. She loved her Opti-Care family and enjoyed their many patients. Along with their son, Joseph, Nancy and her husband started Visionary Contractors in the mid-2000s. In the early 70’s Nancy and her husband Joe moved to Carroll County where they built their home to raise their family. In this beautiful farming community, they made many memories and lasting friendships. They taught their children the value of hard work and commitment to family. Nancy volunteered at her church and her children’s schools. Her family came together to preserve the produce from their ample gardens. We can’t forget the chicken coop and multiple eggs that were shared with friends and family. In the 80’s they ditched the garden and had a pool installed. That truly was a family effort. Many parties were held at the Urban’s home in Winfield, MD with plenty of Hoffman’s Ice Cream; mint chocolate chip for Joe and chocolate for Nancy. Even after she moved to Annapolis, Nancy’s family made sure she always had access to her favorite ice cream. In the mid 1980’s Nancy and her family hosted a student through AFS from Italy. The experience was rewarding and to this day Marcello is a close family member. Nancy and Joe enjoyed traveling through many states and abroad. They visited Germany, France, Italy, numerous other European countries and Russia often to see family and friends. Nancy will always be remembered by her laughter and joy for life, her kindnesses and generosity to others, her ready smile and happy face, her friendly nature and most of all—her love for her family. A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held in Spring 2022. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Messiah Lutheran Church in Sykesville, MD and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.