Nancy Lona Harwood

nancy harwood

Nancy Lona Harwood, 87, of Centennial, Colorado passed away peacefully on Monday, March 6, 2023. 

 

Nancy was born on December 11, 1935 in Delavan, Wisconsin to Rollin and Lorna (Heir) Harwood. She was raised in Delavan, Wisconsin and moved to Colorado to attend the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she graduated with a bachelor’s in English literature in 1957. She married Keith Schaulis in 1956 and began her teaching career in Colorado. In 1960, the couple divorced and Nancy moved to Wisconsin where she pursued her first master’s degree in English Education while teaching. Upon completion, she returned to Colorado and continued her exceptional teaching and administrative career in the Littleton Public School district.  

 

Nancy assisted with the opening of Arapahoe High School in 1964 where she continued teaching English Literature and AP courses. After teaching at Arapahoe, she worked in administration for the Littleton Public School district and later accepted a role at Heritage High School as the Assistant Principal. During this time, she pursued her second master’s degree in Secondary Administration from Colorado State University.

 

Nancy was appointed as the first woman principal of a 5A high school in the state of Colorado for Heritage High School in 1985. Throughout her tenure, she won many local and national awards and accolades. She also supported students in their international education by leading study abroad trips to Europe and Asia. After her role as principal, she retired from the district but continued to support Arapahoe High School with their Advanced Placement exams. 

 

Nancy was incredibly brilliant and had an insatiable thirst for learning. Her students may recall her fastidious correction of their grammar and her genuine dedication to their learning and growth. Her students brought her immense joy and many remained in contact with her throughout her life. She enjoyed traveling internationally and exploring places of historical relevance. Whenever in her company, one would surely learn something new or interesting. She enjoyed spending time with her dear friend and housemate Jan Mitchell. She played an immense role in the upbringing of the “girls across the street,” Audrey and Addison, and remained an integral part of their lives. 

 

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, brother J. David Harwood, and friends Jan Mitchell, Nickie Swift, and Verna Wilborn. 

 

Survivors include her “dear girls” Addison Welsh and Audrey White (Welsh), and friends Elveda Lund and Trina Davis. Surviving family includes cousins Richard H. Williams & Suzanne, Gregory K. Williams & Sara Anne, Gayle Ann (Williams), Lynn & Lester, and Christy S. Dugan (Williams), Brian & their children. 

 

If you would like to donate in Nancy’s memory, please visit Littleton Public Schools Foundation to donate in her memory. No service was requested. 

View current weather.

Memories Timeline


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle