Nancy Sue (Maves) Thomasson, 79, of Crookston MN, passed away due to complications of her esophageal cancer in Stafford, VA, on July 20, 2021. Nancy and her husband, James, were in Stafford enjoying a family reunion with their children and grandchildren. Nancy had been bravely battling cancer for the past two-and-a-half-years. 
Nancy was born in Crookston on November 29, 1941, one of three children of the union of Russell and Eleanore Maves. On June 9, 1962 she was united in marriage to James W. Thomasson in her home parish, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Nancy was a devoted wife to Jim for 59 years and together they raised their children, Tammy and Tim, in a very loving home. She was a nurturing and compassionate matriarch to her children and grandchildren and they were always her priority. Her deep love for them, and her many friends, was endless and unconditional.
Nancy owned several gift shops throughout her lifetime offering a wide variety of American fine art, pottery, jewelry and handcrafts. She was an advocate of American Handcrafts and several times was recognized as such in National Trade magazines. Her last venture was The Recollections Gift Shop and the Inn at Maple Crossing on Maple Lake, near Mentor, MN, which she and Jim owned and operated for over 24 years. Nancy was known for her gracious hospitality. Nancy was a strong advocate and fundraiser for the Hospice of the Red River Valley. She was also a loyal member of the PEO Sisterhood.
Nancy had deep faith and trust in God which was nourished at the St. Lawrence parish in Mentor, as well as, with the Sisters of Mount Saint Benedict Monastery in Crookston. Nancy lived each day with joy, positivity and optimism; trusting that she could be a beacon for others. Her Joy was truly contagious to those around her.
Nancy is survived by her loving husband, James W. Thomasson; their daughter, Tammy Thomasson-Ehrhart of Duluth, MN; son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Laura Thomasson of Greenville, SC; 4 grandchildren, Christopher Ehrhart and his partner, Travis Keeler, of Winger, MN, Jessica Ehrhart of Stafford, VA, Anna Thomasson of Greenville, and Jack Thomasson of Duluth. She also leaves a sister and brother-in-law, Cindy and Scott Hutchins of Maple Lake, Mentor, MN; brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Elaine Maves of Windsor, CO; several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many good friends. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents: Russell and Eleanore Maves. May God richly bless the memory of Nancy Sue Thomasson.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Nancy Thomasson will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 31, 2021, in the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Mentor, MN, with the Rev. David Super, presiding. Visitation with the family will be for one hour prior to the service. A Graveside Service will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Calvary Cemetery, Crookston, MN.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that gifts be given in Nancy’s name to:
Hospice of the Red River Valley
www.hrrv.org
1701 38th Street S
Fargo, N.D. 58103
or Mount Saint Benedict Monastery
620 Summit Ave
Crookston MN 56716
(218) 275-4117
Online registry and messages of condolence may be made at www.stenshoelhouske.com
