Nancy Lee Bierwagen (Hicks)

Nancy Lee Bierwagen (Hicks), age 75, passed away unexpectedly April 6th, 2022, while in remission from Lymphoma. She was born September 7th, 1946, to Wayne and Laura Hicks of Helena, Montana. She grew up with two sisters, Kathy and Carole, with whom she had an incredibly special bond. She was a single mom and worked tirelessly to provide for her three kids who made her proud. She raised them with all the love and care she was known for later in life. They loved her dearly and know she was the best Mom they could ever have. She later moved to Bozeman, Montana, where she married the love of her life, Dave Bierwagen on May 25th, 1991.

Upon moving back to Billings, she held various jobs, most recently as a custodian at Canyon Creek Elementary School where she also shared her love of crafts. After retiring, she used her talents in many sewing and craft projects which she shared with family and friends. Nancy devoted her time to helping others. Her dinners with those she loved were the highlights of her life. Her gentle spirit embraced those who knew her. She was determined, compassionate, selfless, sweet, and humble, always putting others before herself. Nancy loved to laugh, and her positive outlook on life was contagious. Her family was her world and spending time with them brought her the greatest joy in life. Even when battling cancer, she maintained her optimism and put the lives of her family before her own.

She was willing to go on any adventure. She enjoyed fishing, gardening, and cooking with her husband, bird hunting with her son, “girl” trips with her daughters, and supporting her family on race day by cheering them on. She combed the beach for sand dollars with her grandsons and shopped with her granddaughters. She even rocked the Hiawatha trail on a recumbent bike! Nancy was affectionately called “Great Bida” by the newest addition to the family, her two-year-old great grandson whom she loved with all her heart. She had a soft spot for animals of all kinds. Yes, she really did need all those cats! Her diverse interests included treasure hunting with family in Radersburg and panning for gold in Virginia City.

Although she is no longer here in the physical, the love that radiated through her will remain forever. Nancy’s loving demeanor and strong spirit was cherished by all who knew her. She will be missed dearly.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, and sister Carole Phass.

She is survived by her husband David Bierwagen; sister Kathy (Jim) Biegel; son Kevin (Jaime) Smith; daughters Jeanne (James) Endersby and Julie (David) Tesky; stepdaughters Lori Bierwagen and Michelle (Martin) Robinson; as well as five grandchildren: Dylan Esser, Kyle (Baylee) Tesky, Becca Bierwagen, Damianna Endersby, Leilani Endersby; one great grandson Taron Tesky and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for Nancy and her sister Carole (who passed away Thursday, November 4, 2021) will be held at Simple Cremation Montana in Helena, Montana on August 5, 2022, at 11:00am.

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