INDIANAPOLIS
Nanci Vargus: Educator, Adventurer, and Citizen Scientist
Nanci Reginelli Vargus passed away unexpectedly while surrounded by her daughters in the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 9, 2022. She died while valiantly fighting mesothelioma in her self-proclaimed role of “citizen scientist” as patient #7 in a clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. A small part of her legacy will be her contribution to those battling the same cancer. Her full legacy will be much, much broader, however, and sends ripples across the globe.
From the moment of her birth on March 19, 1943, in San Francisco, Nanci exuded curiosity, a love for her fellow beings (particularly those human and canine), courage, a generosity of the both material and immaterial, and a can-do spirit. She was forever proud of being a first-generation college graduate from the University of California, Berkeley, as well as obtaining a doctorate in education from Indiana University. She used her expertise and kindness to guide elementary school-aged students and college students alike in their journeys to literacy and the ability to share that gift with others. Even while “retired” from the University of Indianapolis, she continued to work with student teachers.
She was able to share her love for adventure with her family?and in particular with her grandchildren, whom she traveled with both individually and as a family?as well as her friends. She cherished her many trips, where she always made a point to learn more about the local people (not just the culture) and where she embraced the unexpected.
She also cherished the quieter adventures, such as her yearly trips to Cumberland Island with her dear friends and her home-based journey towards becoming a master gardener.
Nanci was passionate about many things, but her greatest love was her family. She leaves behind, despite her fierce attempts to stay with them as long as possible, three daughters and their families?Jilda Vargus-Adams, Brian, Charlotte, and Corinne Adams; Becka Vargus Katz, Robert, Oliver, and Emilia Katz; and Abigail Vargus, Dave,
AJ, and Topher Korka?as well as her sister Judie Smith, and a multitude of loving cousins, nieces, and nephews of several generations. She will be deeply missed and forever in their hearts. They hope that her ability to see the best in and expect the best of others will live on in all of them.
No funeral is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Gleaners Food Bank of Indianapolis or IndyReads in her name. Inspiring charity to worthy local organizations would make Nanci proud.
