Nancy Hadley, a muralist and artist who collaborated with Ty Pennington on popular TV shows like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Trading Spaces, passed away on Tuesday, May 11, 2023, after battling cancer since December 2022. She was 71 years old.
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A Life of Creativity and Passion
Nancy Hadley was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1952. She started her career as a model and actress, appearing in various commercials, TV shows, and stage productions. She won the title of Miss Los Angeles in 1952 and was one of the finalists for Miss California that year.
She later pursued her passion for art and design, becoming a muralist and artist who specialized in creating realistic and whimsical scenes for homes, businesses, and public spaces. She worked with Ty Pennington, the host of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Trading Spaces, on several projects, adding color and personality to the spaces they transformed.
Some of her notable works include a mural of a tropical paradise for a family in Hawaii, a mural of a fairy tale castle for a girl’s bedroom, and a mural of a giant aquarium for a seafood restaurant. She also created paintings, sculptures, and other artworks that reflected her style and vision.
A Devastating Diagnosis and a Courageous Fight
In December 2022, Nancy Hadley was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of cancer. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments, but the cancer spread to other organs and became terminal.
She spent her last months surrounded by her family and friends, who supported her with love and care. She also received messages of kindness and gratitude from her fans and colleagues, who appreciated her work and legacy.
She passed away peacefully on June 2, 2021, at her home in California. She is survived by her husband John Falvo, whom she married in 1959 and divorced in 1971, her children Paul and Jessica, her sister Sue, and her grandchildren.
A Tribute from Ty Pennington
Ty Pennington, who considered Nancy Hadley as a dear friend and collaborator, paid tribute to her on his social media accounts. He shared photos of their work together and expressed his sadness and admiration for her.
He wrote: “I’m heartbroken to hear that my friend Nancy Hadley has passed away. She was an amazing artist and a wonderful person. We worked together on many projects over the years, and she always brought joy and creativity to everything she did. She was a true inspiration to me and to everyone who knew her. I will miss her dearly.”
He also urged his followers to donate to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), a nonprofit organization that funds research, provides patient services, and advocates for pancreatic cancer awareness and prevention.
According to Heavy.com, Nancy Hadley’s family also requested donations to PanCAN in lieu of flowers or gifts. They said: “We are so grateful for the outpouring of love we have received from all of you. Nancy touched so many lives with her art and her spirit. If you would like to honor her memory, please consider making a donation to PanCAN.org in her name. Thank you for your support.”
