Dr. Nancy P. Hamilton

Dr. Nancy P. Hamilton, 77, of Cedar Falls, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Pinnacle Specialty Care in Cedar Falls.

Nancy was born October 1, 1946, in San Francisco, California, the daughter of the late Durward and Mary (Robinson) Hamilton. She was raised in Concord, CA, before graduating from Clayton Valley High School in 1964. Nancy went on to earn a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Physical Education from San Jose State University along with earning her teaching credentials from San Jose State. She taught at John Muir High School in Pasadena, CA, for a number of years prior to enrolling at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a Ph.D. in Biomechanics. Nancy was a Professor at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) where she taught Biomechanics. One of the leading academics in the Biomechanics field, Dr. Hamilton published several research articles in refereed journals and authored a Kinesiology textbook adopted by many colleges and universities nationwide. During this time, she also initiated the Iowa Adaptive Sports Camp at UNI. Nancy retired as a Professor Emeritus from UNI on June 30, 2011.

Nancy's love for the outdoors began with many backpacking and hiking adventures in the Sierra Mountains at an early age. She also enjoyed kayaking and geocaching in her later years. She was an avid cyclist completing 23 RAGRAIs. When she wasn't spending time outdoors, Nancy could be found watching her favorite vintage Western television shows, playing guitar, or singing in her community choir. Nancy traveled extensively throughout the world experiencing new places and cultures.

Nancy is survived by her four siblings, James D. Hamilton of Vancouver, WA, Peggy (Jim) Grissom of Hayward, CA, Roberta (Don) Kansteiner of Fallbrook, CA, and Julie Hamilton of San Diego, CA; sister-in-law, Pam Hamilton; and many nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by many close friends and associates. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Thomas Connor Hamilton; and nephew, James Floyd Grissom.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The National Conservancy (https://www.nature.org/en-us/).