Stroebel, Nancy Crane
Nancy Crane Stroebel, 81, of Andover, Connecticut passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 24, 2021. Nancy was born in 1940 and was brought up in Norwalk, Connecticut where she developed interests in music and English horseback riding. She eventually ran a
horseback riding camp in the Berkshires in Massachusetts. She attended the University of Miami and then the Hartt School of Music where she met her first husband, Brenton Pell Crane. They both majored in music and later traveled to Europe with their toddler, Katherine, to pursue careers in performance and composition. Eventually, they settled in a small town in Holland for almost 4 years. They later moved back to a small farm in the United States where Nancy rescued animals. Nancy performed with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra in Massachusetts, taught music in public
schools in Connecticut, and wrote children’s musicals and books. She loved teaching her students who often stayed in touch as they grew up. After her first husband passed away, she married Charles Stroebel. They enjoyed nature, cooking, gardening, and music. They both performed with the local community orchestra in Willimantic, Connecticut. Nancy was always trying to help others in her community and elsewhere. She especially took pride in finding ways to help the Andover Fire Department because she recognized how hard they worked on a volunteer basis. Nancy is survived by her daughter, Katherine Anne Francis; her son-in-law, James Arthur Francis; and her grandchildren, Kevin Andrew Francis and Rachel Ann Francis and Rachel’s fiancé, Andrew Lamotte. She is also survived by her cousins, Patricia and David Waby and their children;
her stepdaughter Lisa Caldwell and her daughter Sara; her stepson, Chuck Stroebel and his children; and her beloved friends, Bob Holman and Caren Fogarassi, whose friendship meant the world to her. The family
would like to thank Nancy’s home health care providers for their assistance, kindness, and friendship. Due to COVID restrictions, the family will have a private gathering to celebrate her life. Donations may be made to the Andover Fire Department or to any animal rescue organization of your choice. For online condolences please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com.