Born in Nuremberg, Germany, to American parents, imagery influenced her early work. Prior to settling in Massachusetts, Nancy resided in Colorado for 10 years. More than any other place, however, Italy has influenced her work exploring color theory in oil paintings. In Italy during a sabbatical year, Nancy held a one-woman show in Bassano del Grappa, where she lived with her husband, Rich Pagano. She and her husband have travelled back to Italy many times since, visiting museums and the Venice Biennale. Most recent influences include the work of Anselm Kiefer. Her works reside in the city collections of Bassano del Grappa and Worcester, Massachusetts.