Nancy Nairn Warr, age 88, of Portales, passed away quietly in her home on Friday, September 2, 2022. At her request, no memorial service is planned.
Born September 22, 1933, Nancy earned her bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and then taught at the prestigious Rutgers Preparatory School while earning her master’s at NYU. After completing her doctorate at UNM, she accepted a position at Eastern New Mexico University in 1969, teaching American and British Literature and upper-division and graduate courses in Renaissance and seventeenth-century literature.
A consummate teacher, Dr. Warr earned the ENMU President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1988. Her classes were challenging and thought-provoking, attracting many students who dubbed themselves “Warr-heads”.
Recognized for her integrity, intelligence, and energetic teaching style, she anchored the literature program with her passionate support of good teaching and high standards until her retirement in 1994 and appointment to emerita status.
Dr. Warr is survived by her sister, Judith Warr Welker of Caroga Lake, NY; her brother, Richard Bruce Warr of Montauk, NY; three nephews, William Bruce Welker (and wife Kristine) of Hartsdale, NY, Daniel Welker of Somerset, NJ, and Dietrich Warr of Montauk, NY; two great-nieces, Madison Louise Welker and Peyton Lowe Welker; a great-nephew, William Keene Welker; and a dear friend, Louise Shoemaker; as well as many devoted family members and a host of colleagues, former students and friends who respected and valued her as a teacher, mentor, and role model.
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