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Englewood Sun (FL) - October 19, 2012
ENGLEWOOD -- Friends of Nancy and Mike Looney are shocked to learn that Nancy , 59, died in a Colorado auto accident Sunday.
Nancy Looney 's roots run deep in Englewood.
Her mother, Elsie, is a fourth-generation Englewood resident. Nancy 's maternal grandfather, Stuart Anderson, owned Lemon Bay Fisheries. Her great-grandfather, Joseph Anderson, was Sarasota County's first elected county commissioner.
Mike and Nancy 's brother were with her in a vehicle when it rolled off a steep embankment as they were leaving their camp in Colorado, according to reports.
'Mike and Nancy were very close friends of mine as they were to you all,' Ray LaBadie wrote Wednesday to Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary Club members where Mike was active in projects such as fundraising for the annual Englewood July Fourth fireworks. Mike owns Michael J. Looney Electrical.
'Please support Mike at this time,' Labadie said.
According to Colorado State Patrol and news reports, Nancy was a passenger in a 2003 gray Chevy Blazer traveling eastbound on U.S. 50 four miles west of the Monarch Pass summit. Around 1 p.m. Sunday, the Blazer rolled 1.5 times down a 100-foot 'steep embankment.'
She was ejected from the Blazer and died of her injuries.
According to reports, Nancy 's brother -- Michael Czerwinski, 63, of Castle Rock, Colo. -- was the driver and Mike, 57, was also a passenger. Reports state that both Czerwinski and Mike were wearing seat belts. Nancy was not. Both were treated for injuries at Colorado's Gunnison Hospital, reports stated.
Colorado State Patrol Trooper Josh Lewis said Wednesday neither speed nor alcohol contributed to the accident.
Nancy and her brother grew up in Englewood. On behalf of her father, Charles 'Joe' Czerwinski, in 2009, Nancy accepted the Englewood-Cape Haze Area Chamber of Commerce's Secret Society of the Smoked Mullet Award. The award recognizes individuals who contribute to the Englewood community. The elder Czerwinski, a builder, was recognized for his contributions to youth projects.
LaBadie said Thursday he was walking around 'with a heavy heart' over the tragedy. He's been in constant contact with Mike who was still in Colorado Thursday and in shock over the loss of his wife.
Arrangements will be announced after Looney returns to Englewood, LaBadie said.
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Ellen Campbell (Roberge)
My condolences and prayers go out to Nancy's family after this horrible accident.
Debbie Hancox (McMurry)
Her brother and husband were both in the accident...I have no updates regarding their injuries. So very sad, I was told Nancy and her husband were out there for a family wedding.
Patti Roth (Kidd)
Nancy and my histories stretch back to elementary school, and my daughter and I skied on Monarch Mountain.several years ago. I know the road. It makes it harder, and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Patti Roth Kidd
Nora Nicol (Lorenc)
Nancy and I were best friends throughout elementary and junior high school. She was absolutely brilliant - skipping the 6th grade, going from 5th to 7th and was in all of the advanced classes. The best way I can describe her personality is engaging and fun-loving - we laughed all the time! I was so deeply saddened to learn of her tragic death. She was adored by her family as well as many members of the Englewood Community where she grew up and had resided for many years. God Speed until we meet again. Forever friends.