The Unforgettable Nancy Pace Newton

2/4/2021

In the mid-1980’s, Collegiate upgraded its telephone system from an old PBX contraption similar to what Ernestine (played by Lilly Tomlin) used on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh In to a modern setup complete with voicemail and assorted other bells and whistles.

That gave Nancy Pace Newton an idea.

The longtime Middle School math teacher was always looking for new and creative ways to motivate, inspire, and teach her students, and she quickly recognized a golden opportunity to aid her in the process and communicate lessons that went well beyond the actual curriculum.

Each night when her students finished their homework, they called her school number and left a message – and we’re talking dozens of messages daily – which she dutifully retrieved later that evening or the next morning.

Their assignment was to report that they had no questions or to ask questions which she would address either before class or during class the following day.

Checking in wasn’t an option. It was a required, like it or not. It was also an above-and-beyond-the-call-of-duty tutorial in accountability, a statement that confusion about math concepts is acceptable and no query is irrelevant, and a clear example that Nancy truly cared about her students more so than just within the confines of the classroom and the 45 minutes a day she spent with them.

“That took a lot of time for Nancy,” said Charlie Blair, who served as head of the Middle School from 1991 through 2019. “But it made kids take more personal responsibility and allowed her to give them personal attention if they needed it. They learned plenty of math, but she also helped kids learn how to learn and own more than just the subject matter.

Nancy joined the Girls School faculty in 1967, made the transition into the Middle School in 1986 when the structure of the institution changed, and held forth until she retired in June 2011.

“Nancy had strong beliefs about what should be taught and stuck to them, and she reached a lot of kids,” Blair added. “Long after she retired, former students who came through would ask about Nancy and talk about how much they got out of her class. She really built a lot of confidence in them.”

Six years ago, Nancy moved to New Orleans where her son Jimmy, Collegiate class of 1999, and his wife Tricia and their children SuSu, Tyler, and Marshall live. She reveled in her role as a doting grandmother, stayed in touch with her wide circle of Richmond friends, and inspired them mightily with her grace, courage, and positive attitude after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer two-and-a-half years ago.

Tuesday evening, she passed away peacefully. She was 78 years old.

“Heaven gained a true angel while Jimmy lost his number-one fan,” her daughter-in-law posted on Facebook. “Nancy was strong, courageous, independent, kind, compassionate, and loving. She loved her family and friends something fierce. Anyone who knew her knows that she didn’t go down without a fight. There’s no more suffering, only time for healing.”

As the news spread among the Collegiate community, several of her former colleagues offered thoughts and reflections about Nancy’s personal attributes and uncommon dedication to others and to her professional calling.

Ask any of Nancy’s former students to recite her integer rules, and there's no hesitation, whether she taught them five years ago or 25. She was quick of mind, compassionate, committed to her mission: teaching kids and helping out colleagues. She was a giver - great with kids and the very best of friends - with a warm heart and unbesmirchable integrity. She will be missed, but she'll be positively remembered for a long, long time.

Mary Mann

Nancy was known for her style and impeccable taste. She had an engaging laugh and was great fun to be with. She was daring and adventurous, always on the go whether it was a fun weekend or extended travel during the summers. She had great stories from her adventures and stayed in touch with many of the families whom she met on her travels. Nancy was an enthusiastic, dedicated teacher who was empathetic and patient and always available to her students.

Kaye and Jim Hickey

Nancy encouraged self-paced inquiry before that was popular. Nancy individualized math instruction for her students even when it made things much more complicated for her as a teacher. She often commented on how this (approach) motivated those with math ability to keep being challenged.

Dr. Fletcher Collins

Nancy was one of a kind. She always had a real passion for teaching and especially pushing kids to help them realize how much they could achieve. She could also laugh at herself, whether talking about something she could have done better in the classroom or pushing her huge cart of math stuff around the halls.

Rives Fleming

Nancy had a very generous spirit. She was a great listener and extremely good to her friends and never expected anything in return. She felt strongly about helping those less fortunate. She would drive around with treats for the homeless people, and when she’d stop at the light, she’d throw them a bag of goodies. She enjoyed working with the homeless through her church (St. James’s Episcopal). No matter what was going on in her life, Nancy was always optimistic that things would get better. She was certainly optimistic about her illness. Knowing that it wasn’t going to end the way she wanted it to, she was still optimistic throughout the treatments. Nancy was a very good friend.

Anita Grymes Towell

Nancy could fill a room with her laughter and vivacious personality. That warmth was always extended to her students over many years. In particular, Nancy had a special understanding for students who were faced with personal or family struggles. Nancy herself was remarkably determined and hardworking in all aspects of her life. Fiercely loyal to Collegiate and her friends, Nancy was even more devoted to her son Jimmy, Tricia, and the grandchildren. I will always hold special admiration for Nancy.

Sally Chambers

~ Weldon Bradshaw

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