Nancy Ellen Alpren, RN

(nee Doda) Born to Eternal Life May 26, 2024, age74 years. Beloved mother of Scott, Chris, and Stacey Alpren. Loving Nana of Jesse and Logan Alpren. Dear sister of Fr. Gene, David, and Dennis Doda, and MaryJane (Tim) Brown. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by her husband Larry and parents Eugene and Florence Doda.

Nancy was born and raised in South Milwaukee, graduating from South Milwaukee High School in 1967. Just like many young women her age, Nancy would soon fall in love. On May 1, 1970, Nancy married Larry Alpren. She enjoyed her role as wife and then mother – attending all the kids’ games – be it baseball, football, soccer, or basketball. Being a big Brewers fan, she may have been just a little bit partial to the baseball games.

As her kids got older, Nancy felt a calling – she had a desire to help and to heal. So, she began taking nursing classes at Alverno, where eventually graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She worked helping people who suffered with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and was promoted to director of nursing.

She was forced to leave that position when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was then that the nurse became the patient. Nancy had to listen to her own words of encouragement that she had given to so many of her patients throughout the years and she fought the cancer – and beat it. Still feeling the need to serve others through nursing, she returned to work – this time working for United Healthcare.

Nancy also enjoyed traveling through the years – visiting Mexico, Europe, The Canary Islands, and Belize. She also was involved with helping to organize her High School Class Reunions and a devoted member of the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard.

Most people will remember Nancy as a mentor and an unwavering supporter of her family and friends – giving of herself at every opportunity. The word that best describes Nancy is “love.” She loved and was loved – not only by her family, but also her “bar” family, and by all her “adopted” children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. It is that love that will be Nancy’s legacy to all those who were fortunate to have known her – she will be greatly missed and forever loved.

3 Comments

Faye Hester May 29, 2024 at 12:38 am - Reply

My deepest sympathies to Nancy’s beloved children Scott, Chris, & Stacey, cherished niece Jolene, and her treasured grandsons Jesse and Logan, and all her family. What a huge loss to your family. But what a huge blessing she was to all of you. I worked with Nancy at UnitedHealth, and we stayed connected via Facebook, watching each other’s families grow. We all heard about you, because she loved you so much. My friend, I’ll miss you. I’ll never forget you and your Christian heart. ♥️
Julie L Ellis May 29, 2024 at 2:11 pm - Reply

I worked with Nancy at the Milwaukee District Nurses Association and she was so dear. I have very fond memories, I’m sorry to hear of her passing and my heart goes out to all of her family.
Matt Malcom May 30, 2024 at 11:30 am - Reply

My deepest condolences to the entire Alpren family. Nancy was an amazing person. I was only privileged to know her for a few years, but she was always unfailingly kind, generous and funny. I will always remember and be grateful for Nancy’s incredible help selling raffle tickets at Police Officer Support Team fundraisers. She was a gentle force with those tickets and an amazing benefactor to the organization. Her contributions helped many, most of whom she never knew. She was a great listener; offering sound advice, comfort, a joke, or a hug. To those loved ones she is leaving behind, know that she made a difference in the lives of many, that she will be remembered fondly, with great admiration, and she will be missed by all those who knew her..