08/08/2026
One of the best midwifery professors I had the pleasure to learn from. The midwifery community has lost a great one. 😢
For our Midwifery profession in the U.S. we lost an extraordinary leader, educator, advocate and mentor to so many. From Mary Brucker,
“Nancy Jo Reedy died fortified by the sacraments of the Church on August 3rd 2026. She was born to Dorothy Quirke Reedy and Robert B. Reedy in Massachusetts on September 6, 1947, but frequently would claim the location of her birth was an error. By preschool age she would say she was at her real home in the state of Texas.
Throughout her life, Nancy was known for her strong work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to excellence especially to parents and babies. She often talked about knowing that her vocation would be midwifery while still in her teens. She graduated with honors and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Texas, and worked in as well as headed a maternity unit in a public hospital in Houston before traveling to the University of Mississippi where she graduated as a Nurse-Midwife. Shortly thereafter, she continued her education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois in Chicago.
However, she did not simply obtain educational credentials for the sake of letters alone. Nancy wove together what she learned in school with what she knew by directly providing care and analyzing how best to deliver safe, personal services especially to birthing people. She prided herself on nurturing new graduates and inspiring others to join the profession.
Nancy’s career was marked by significant achievements such as developing and promoting midwifery/maternity services that, even after decades, are still in existence. She was active in professional organizations, especially The Midwife Foundation, ACNM, AWHONN, NCC, and of course, the Consortium of Texas Nurse-Midwives. She approached every activity with integrity, determination, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference. By the end of her career, long hours and physical demands began to wear on her body but her desire to serve remained strong. She transitioned to teaching midwifery online and participated during periodic on-site workshops as a member of the Midwifery and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program at Georgetown University in Washington DC. She was devoted to supporting student growth in an ethical, professional, and loving way.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nancy believed in serving others. She generously gave her time, talents, and compassion to her community and her church. She was involved in initiating a prayer shawl group to the healing of others as well as being an enthusiastic bell ringer at her parish.
Those who knew Nancy will remember her not only for what she achieved, but for her entrepreneurial spirit, generosity, and the warmth that she demonstrated every day. Many midwives serve others today because of her modeling and support.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and many beloved poodles. She leaves behind her brother Ronald and his wife Rosemary along with their children and grandchildren. In addition she leaves behind a dear friend and fellow midwife, Mary C Brucker, and Nancy’s informally adopted niece, Deidre K Brucker; along with midwives and former students too numerous to count. She also had different cohorts of special friends for regular card playing, theater going, traveling, bell ringing, and knitting—all of whom will miss her deeply.
Funeral arrangements are pending at this time. In lieu of flowers she had asked that any donations in her honor be given to either Catholic Charities, The Midwife Foundation, The Stevenson Center at Texas A&M, or any charity of your choosing.
Please share this with her friends who you know and especially those who might not be on Facebook.”
