Nancy Ann Arola (Ritzema), age 71, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026, with her loving family by her side.
Born on August 27, 1954, in Glenwood, Minnesota, Nancy was the daughter of the late Gerald and Romana Ritzema. She spent her younger years growing up in the close-knit community of Brooten, Minnesota, before moving with her family to Minneapolis as a teenager. She went on to attend Patrick Henry High School in Minneapolis and later pursued her passion for cooking, earning a degree in culinary arts from the VoTech in Hibbing, Minnesota. Nancy went on to share her culinary talents and her nurturing heart with her community for over 40 years, working as a dedicated cook in hospitals and long-term care facilities, where she took great pride in nourishing others.
It was on the Iron Range that Nancy met the absolute love of her life, Clifford Arola. While working as a waitress at a local cafe, she served Clifford his breakfast—and then playfully ate his toast. Smitten by her charm, Clifford returned the very next day to ask her out for a proper breakfast date. The two were wed on July 21, 1979, in Minneapolis. They later settled in Duluth, Minnesota, where they built a beautiful life together and raised their three children.
Nancy’s life was defined by her boundless capacity to love and care for others. In addition to her professional life, she selflessly dedicated herself as an adult to caring for her disabled siblings and extended family, serving as a pillar of strength, compassion, and comfort for her loved ones when they needed it most.
She loved her family more than anything in the world and was truly the best Grammy. She absolutely adored spoiling her grandchildren, and one of their favorite traditions was heading to Johnson’s Bakery in Duluth, where she would always make sure they left with their favorite treats. A gifted seamstress, she poured her love into making beautiful quilts for them and could sew anything from household curtains to elaborate Victorian dress costumes. Nancy also had a wonderful zest for life; she loved shopping (boasting a magnificent array of shoes), playing Bingo, and spending time under the sun gardening and canning her famous pickles. Her home was often filled with music, and she loved nothing more than singing along to 80s country, Cher, and Tina Turner.
Her sweet, nurturing soul, her vibrant laugh, and her fierce devotion to her family will be missed beyond measure.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Clifford Arola; her devoted children, Darcy (Daniel) Kane, Jennifer (Yancy) LeMone, and Jake (Grace) Arola; and her cherished grandchildren, Autumn, Christian, Ashley, Elise, Ian, and Gabriel (whom his grandpa affectionately calls Oscar). She is also survived by her siblings, Darrell Ritzema and Rosemary Swanson (Ritzema).
Nancy was greeted in heaven by her parents, Gerald and Romana Ritzema; her brothers, Rexall, Donald, William, and Robert Ritzema; and her beloved grandson, Carter Kane.
A private family service will be held at a later date to celebrate Nancy’s beautiful life.
