Nancy Katherine (Roed) Serre

Nancy Katherine (Roed) Serre, 76, passed away August 1, 2024, at St. Lukes Hospice in Duluth, Minnesota.

Nancy was born April 28, 1948, in Duluth, the second child of Clyde and Mary Lou (Kohne) Roed. She grew up in the Piedmont Heights neighborhood and graduated from Duluth Cathedral High School in 1966 where she first met and started dating John Serre. Nancy proudly attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology along with a minor in Psychology in 1970. Nancy was a member of both Holy Rosary Catholic Church and St. Mary Star of the Sea in Duluth.

After graduation, Nancy dedicated more than 40 years to social work for St. Louis County, including work as a Child Protection Specialist, team member of initial intake child abuse investigations, and countless years as a foster care recruiter, licensor, and trainer. 

Throughout her career, Nancy helped thousands of at-risk Women and Children in the Northland to find safety, prevent hardships, and cope with challenges in their lives. She also volunteered much of her time as a Guardian ad Litem, advocating for the best interests of children in juvenile protection cases for Minnesota’s 6th Judicial District. Nancy had a passion for volunteering with years of dedication to Birthright International. She lived her life to help those unable to help themselves. 

Nancy married John on November 6, 1970, in Duluth and together they raised three sons, Matthew, Nicholas, and Jordan. Their greatest happiness has always been their son's achievements, service, and kindness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Mary Lou (Kohne) Roed, and brothers, John, Richard, and Robert.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, John; their sons Matt (Amy); Nic (Mary); and Jordan (Cami); her sisters Mary (Jerry) Maurer; Barb (Ted) Lammi; and Lynne (Steve) Sexton; their grandchildren Peter, Gretchen, Scarlett, Will, Beatrice, and Margot along with many loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Nancy will forever be remembered as a loving Wife, Mother, Babcia (grandmother), Friend, and well-respected co-worker. As a final act of kindness, Nancy donated her body to the University of Minnesota’s Anatomy Bequest Program to support medical research through education for health professionals and continued advancements in medical care.

A Mass of Christian Burial  will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 10:00 am with a visitation starting at 9:00 am at St. Mary Star of the Sea, 325 E 3rd Street, Duluth, MN 55805.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Nancy’s memory be made to Birthright International; https://www.mightycause.com/donate/Birthright-Usa-National as she gave so much of her time to the organization over the years.