Nancy Lee Wallwork

Nancy Lee (Quinlivan) Wallwork
April 24, 1944 - September 30, 2025

Nancy Lee Wallwork, 81, passed away peacefully at her home on September 30, 2025.

She was born on April 24, 1944, in Billings, Montana, to Barry and Margaret (Anderson) Quinlivan. Nancy was the cherished youngest of five daughters. As the baby of the family, her older sisters delighted in showering her with gifts and books. By their own admission, they spoiled her thoroughly, a tradition that carried well into adulthood.

Nancy graduated from Billings Central Catholic High School, then attended Eastern Montana College and Montana State University, earning degrees in education and drama.  She began her teaching career in Cody, Wyoming, where she taught English and drama.  Her plays became legendary in the community, and her students affectionately knew her as  "Miss Q."

She later returned to Billings and taught at Senior High and then Lewis and Clark Middle School, where she inspired students for more than twenty years. Nancy retired at age fifty, having touched countless lives through her teaching and creativity.

In 1975, Nancy met the love of her life, Jim Wallwork, while teaching at Cody Junior High, where she taught English and drama, and he taught science. They married soon after and spent many wonderful years together, especially enjoying time working side by side in their yard. The loss of Jim a few years before her retirement was a heartache that stayed with her always.

After Jim's passing, Nancy welcomed her mother to live with her, and together they filled their days tending to their flower gardens and watching the sunsets from Nancy's beautiful deck.

Nancy is survived by her sisters Pat Young and Joyce Hudson; nephews Doug, Mark, and David; nieces Kim, Kelly, Diane, Julie, Debbie, Barb, Peggy, Pam and Kandy Maley, her devoted caregiver who cared for Nancy with love and compassion, making her life easier after she began using a wheelchair.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents, Barry and Margaret Quinlivan; her sisters, Janet and Jackie; and her niece, Sharon Young Mathers.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Nancy's life will be held in the spring, her favorite time of year.