Lasting Memories

Nancy Josephine Fiene
June 9, 1934-July 18, 2026
Palo Alto, California

Nancy Jordan Fiene passed away surrounded by her four children on Saturday, July 18, 2026. In a beautiful testament to their lifelong romance, she was reunited with her beloved husband, Tom Fiene, her Sweetie Pie, who passed just hours earlier.

A true original who brought boundless energy, intelligence, and joy to everything she touched, Nancy left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She was known for her radiant smile and genuine curiosity.

Born on June 9, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Nancy was the oldest daughter of Harold and Helene Jordan. Raised in Minnesota with her younger sister, Judy, she discovered two lifelong passions early on: nature and music. She began piano lessons at the age of five and embraced adventure through Girl Scouts, including a memorable canoe-camping trip on the Canadian border—an experience that sparked a deep love for the outdoors.

Nancy attended Carleton College, a time that shaped the rest of her life in momentous ways. Following the advice of her music professor to take organ lessons so she would “always have a job,” Nancy embraced countless musical opportunities. But one of her most cherished discoveries was in an art history class—where she fell in love with both art history and the love of her life, Tom Fiene of Green Bay, Wisconsin. The two were married after graduation, beginning a devoted partnership and extraordinary love story that spanned nearly seven decades. As a result of that art history class, her passion for art, architecture and design continued to grow and she was a dedicated docent at both the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University and the Frank Lloyd Wright Hanna House for 30 years.

Nancy’s deep reverence for nature stayed with her throughout her life. She fell in love with the Rocky Mountains while she and Tom lived in Denver during his medical internship, and later developed an enduring devotion to the Sierra Nevada mountains after they moved to Palo Alto. She was always happy exploring mountain trails and immersed in the natural world. She shared this love of adventure with her family, filling weekends with camping trips, backpacking, hiking, skiing, canoeing, sailing, picnics, and beach outings. Her antenna was always up in search of the next big adventure, leading her to discover the Trinity Alps Resort in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The annual week-long family reunion there has remained a cherished highlight for generations of Fienes.

While Nancy possessed many talents, music was her true calling. A beloved piano teacher in Palo Alto for decades, she nurtured generations of young musicians for more than 20 years. Her mastery as an organist was equally impressive. In 1980 she earned a Master’s degree in organ performance at San Jose State University. She studied on the Stanford Memorial Church organ under Herbert Nanney, head of Stanford’s doctoral program in organ performance.

When world-renowned organist Marcel Dupré passed away in 1971, she was asked to perform Dupré’s challenging “Variations on a Noel” at a memorial service held at Stanford. Throughout her life, she frequently served as a guest organist for local church services and weddings and performed recitals on both the organ and the piano.

She also shared her deep love of music with the Channing House community by bringing musical performances to the residents. Drawing on her extensive connections in the music world, she arranged for residents to enjoy a rich and vast array of talented musicians.

Nancy was a true intellectual with an insatiable appetite for learning. She was a voracious reader who didn't merely read books—she studied them, carefully lining pages with sticky notes filled with detailed connections, cross-references, and observations. Right up until the end of her life, she attended lectures across every subject at Stanford. Together with Tom, they were avid world travelers. Exploring every corner of the globe, they immersed themselves in the local culture, politics, geography, art, and music everywhere they went.

Nancy shared her endless energy through active community involvement. She was a dedicated leader and member in numerous community organizations, including the League of Women’s Voters, the local Garden Club, Current Events group, folk dancing group, multiple book clubs, and PTA president. She also served on many boards and was the president of the Palo Alto branch of the Music Teachers Association of California. Affectionately known as the "Energizer Bunny," Nancy moved through life at 100 miles an hour, squeezing more into a single day than most could accomplish in a week—all with a wide smile, unwavering poise, and deep gratitude.

Her home was filled with joy, creativity, and unique traditions. Holidays were legendary: constructing intricate gingerbread houses at Christmas, decorating traditional Ukrainian eggs at Easter, and hosting an annual Halloween pumpkin-carving party that friends anticipated all year.

Nancy and Tom were the ultimate entertaining team. Receiving an invitation to a Fiene dinner party was widely regarded as "winning the golden ticket." An exceptional gourmet chef, Nancy meticulously curated unique menus. With an exquisite eye for design and aesthetics, her tables were beautifully set, her home filled with expressive art and decor, and her gatherings designed to spark lively, warm, and meaningful conversations with diverse voices.

Nancy was a vibrant, effervescent treasure. Her deep devotion to her friends and family, and profound love for the world around her leave a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.