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Wisconsin Public Television Remembers Nancy Zieman

Wisconsin Public Television is saddened by the death of Nancy Zieman, longtime host of Sewing With Nancy.

Erik Ernst

11/14/17

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Wisconsin Public Television is saddened by the death of Nancy Zieman, longtime host of Sewing With Nancy.

Zieman passed away at her home in Beaver Dam Tuesday morning after a long battle with cancer.

An educator, author, pattern maker, television producer, entrepreneur and innovator, Zieman inspired millions of sewing and quilting enthusiasts throughout her career. She hosted Sewing With Nancy, the longest-running sewing series on television, since 1982. The program continues to air on public television stations across the United States.

A careful, kind and generous presence, Zieman presented each of her programs in an engaging how-to format that empowered people of all skill levels to explore their own talents.

In addition to her TV program, Zieman was the founder of Nancy’s Notions, a Tacony Corporation company. Grown from her own kitchen table into a nationwide name trusted by sewers and quilters, the company offers thousands of products including sewing books, notions, videos and DVDs, fabrics and quilting products and embroidery designs through its website, retail store and Nancy’s Notions catalog.

In 2005, Zieman helped develop Quilt Expo with WPT in Madison. The event is a vibrant example of Zieman’s inspiration, now drawing more than 20,000 people from across the United States to celebrate the art and craft of quilting.

Zieman is survived by her husband, Richard, their two sons, Ted and Tom, and her beloved grandchildren.

“Nancy was an entrepreneur, a talented television host, a dear friend to so many people at Wisconsin Public Television, and a true Wisconsin treasure,” WPT’s Director of Television Jon Miskowski said. “During the time that she produced her series Sewing With Nancy with WPT, she made hundreds of hours of programs sharing her love of sewing and quilting – work that reflects the essence of Nancy’s legacy in passing the love of sewing, a passion she held very dear, on to the next generation. It was an honor for WPT to be a part of her story. We will all miss Nancy and share our condolences with her family and friends as we remember a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come.”

“I am proud to have worked with Nancy on Sewing With Nancy for more than 25 years,” Laurie Gorman, WPT’s producer of Sewing With Nancy, said. “She had the rare ability to take her passion – the love of sewing – and share it with a national audience through the medium of television. Nancy was a savvy entrepreneur, talented colleague, and dear friend. She will be greatly missed by the staff at WPT and her many viewers and fans across the country.”

Zieman’s work on Sewing With Nancy lives on in the hundreds of hours of television that she created, much of which is available online at wpt.org/SewingWithNancy as a lasting resource that is still used by sewing and quilting enthusiasts around the world.

A private funeral service will be held. Fans and friends hoping to share their memories of Nancy’s life and inspiration are welcome to leave comments at NancyZieman.com/blog. If friends, fans and viewers desire, information about suggested memorial gifts is also available at that website.

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Erik Ernst

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199 Comments

  • Joy Peterkin

    So sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. She was a lovely lady and I enjoyed watching her show on PBS every week. She will be sadly missed.

  • Victory

    Nancy has been a part of my sewing experiences since she first came on the public scene. What a courageous women she has been. She will be greatly missed. I will be praying for her husband and family.
    Thank you Nancy for giving of yourself!

  • Judy

    OMG my condolences to her family. Because of Nancy is why I started quilting. I’m really going to miss her. She became part of my family watching her on TV. RIP Nancy.

  • Gert Upson

    So sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing, watched and taped her show every Saturday morning, learned so much from her, she will be missed, RIP dear Nancy.

  • Andrea Cotman

    There are few words in times like this. My sewing career has been greatly enhanced by the passion and can do spirit Nancy so readily poured out! Although I never had the pleasure of meeting her, I am deeply saddened to learn of her passing. Rest in Peace Nancy!

  • Becky

    Went to high school with Nancy. Just an all around nice girl. Sorry to hear of her passing.

  • Susie Snow

    My thoughts and prayers for Nancy’s family and friends during this difficult time. She was such an inspiration to me and others, I never had the opportunity to meet her but I have watched her shows since the early 80’s, I am just heartbroken.

  • Patricia Walsh

    Yes she will be missed so very much. when I read this about her passing my heart stopped. Will miss her so much. Rest I peace Nancy and Good bless you for all you have done for all of your followers. God be with your family through this hard time.
    Patricia from Texas.

  • Pat Capela

    I am so deeply saddened by Nancy’s passing. She really inspired me to sew. Our prayers go out to her husband and sons. Also grandchildren. I have my TV set to record when her programs come on. She will be surely missed.

  • AnneMarie

    So So Sorry to hear. She was loved by me and so many others. Rest in Peace Nancy. 🙁

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