Dear Anne, Chico, Kip, and Aaron,

My aloha is with you all as you carry on the legacy of strength, independence, and leadership that you received as descendants of Nancy. May you find comfort in each other and good memories together. 

Holly

 Nancy, my godmother, always seemed to defy so many of life's strongholds.... Many blessings.
Page Mankin Simpson, Jacksonville, FL

Dear Anne,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your remarkable mother. I know how much my own mother admired her energy and friendship and how my father liked talking all things gardening with her. I smiled as I read about your mother's stash of wonderful toys for her grandkids and remember with fondness the play kitchen you had in your house where we played as kids. She certainly rocked Rochester and inspired others--especially women--with her full-steam-ahead, can-do attitude. My thoughts are with you and your family as you remember and honor her dynamic life and career.
Marsha Hayles, Rochester, NY 

Dear Anne,

 My condolances to you on the death of your Mother! You won't remember me but I was your babysitter in the summer of 1954, I think. Mark & I would take you for long walks that summer. I admired your Mother and learned how to make some appetizers that I do even now. My thoughts are with you. Elaine Nelson Welliver

Nancy was truly one-of-a-kind, and I am so pleased to have had the chance to know her in the adult world, as well as when I was a child. She will be missed and remembered. She leaves behind so many accomplishments, and her legacy lives on. Thinking of the family, sending condolences.

Thanks for sharing the story of a beautiful life. She had an enduring spirit. May these memories last a lifetime.
Donna Kufus

I met Ms. Brataas thru my employer. While I didn't agree with her politics, I found her to be exceedingly charming and a most graceful lady. I was but a small person, but she didn't treat me as such. She is the ultimate example of all a woman can achieve without losing her "self. Rochester has lost a most gracious and revered citizen. My sympathy to her family.  Teagan Schaefer, Rochester, MN 

Dear Anne - so many hugs to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss but am certain you are finding peace with countless memories of love and laugher, commitment and conviction, happiness and helping, family and friends. 

I truly do not remember a time when your mom was not part of the fabric of my life. She has always been such an inspiration to countless girls, women...and men. We (as individuals) and our society are better and stronger because of her. I remember marveling at how beautiful her gardens were but that they truly paled in comparison to her beauty. 

Peace and love to you and your family.Kelly Morse Nowicki, Oronoco, MN 

What a tremendous legacy Nancy leaves for all of us!

Words can't fully embrace the depth of my respect for Nancy and her truly courageous and hope-inspiring spirit for all. May we continue to translate her ideals for education, diplomacy, service above self, scouting and gardening through our civic leaders, educators and trailblazers. Peace, respect, and caring wishes to you and all.  Ashok Patel, M.D., Mayo Clinic