About Nancy Farley
Nancy Farley grew up in the Lake Country area, and went to Merton School, then Arrowhead High School, where she met her husband. They settled down on the family farm plot in Merton. (Fun fact: that family farm plot was originally deeded to her family by Zachary Taylor!) Her husband Jim is a project manager for Butters-Fetting and she is currently driving a school bus for Dousman Transport Co.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband Jim and I have three beautiful children- my daughter, Erin, is 28. She is married to John and they have Molly, 5, Louis, 3, and Clare, 1-1/2 – and they are expecting in June. Then I have my son, Tom, 26, who is an electrician, and last but not least Megan, she is our baby at 21, who is currently in nursing school and will graduate in a year!
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I started my Journey at Quad Graphics Day Care after graduating from UW Waukesha with a degree in Early Childhood. I raised my children along with running a day care out of my home for 14 years. This gave me a great family network in the little Village of Merton. After the day care I chose to go back out into the workforce and have worked in many of the Lake Country Schools in a variety of positions. I currently drive the bus for Arrowhead High School District- I must say at first I was quite intimidated but now I rather enjoy it. Twice a week I also work in the lunchroom at Lake Country School. I have a great connection with my riders and lunch kids. I enjoy the break between shifts to run any errands I may have or to just get cooking done.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
My biggest challenge was trying to find a job that would have the flexibility to still be present in my kids lives, sports, plays, choir, etc. I have always recreated myself into positions that would allow me to be out in the community yet still have valuable family time, especially with the grandkids.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
In every job that I’ve had, I always found a connection with some person or child that told me “this is why you’re here”. From serving samples at Costco to where I am currently I have met so many wonderful people, young and old!
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
My goal is simply to spend as much time with family and friends and have as much fun as possible.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
I would say just follow your heart, enjoy the connections to people and do what you love.
Nancy Farley & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
I love living in this community because no matter where I go- to the grocery store, church, or the ski hill- it’s only three minutes from home. I always run into someone I know and my ten minute purchase becomes a 30 minute catching up conversation! The lakes in the area are great. Whether it’s Keesus, North Lake or Okauchee, they each have their own charm and fun. I’ve skied at Ausblich for years, and my kids and now grandkids are following me in the Ausblich experience.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
This question is a two part answer for me… First, my Dad was the most interesting person I knew. Even though he’s been gone for almost 4 years now I still feel like he’s around me daily. He knew everyone and everything about this little town, and like my husband says, “You can’t stand on any spot of the family’s 12 acres and NOT have a quote, joke or memory that comes straight from Dad.”
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
We joke around and say that my family pays the electric bill at the North Lake Inn. I love the Randall Salad at Woody’s just down the road!
Q: What three words would you use to describe our community?
Friendly, Refreshing, and Welcoming.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Not much! They all think I’m a little crazy. They always say uh, oh, here comes trouble! I respond with “No trouble, just fun.” I think if you see me as “trouble” then you need to get out more, LOL!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My dad, of course, and these little grandchildren.
Q: Favorite movie or TV show?
I just watched Yellowstone and loved every minute! And I also like Fried Green Tomatoes. There is lots of diversity, comedy, drama, it has it all. One of my all time faves.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to go an Alaskan cruise, yeah, I me and some friends having a great time… You know, if I thought my life was going to end soon my bucket list may be longer, but I plan to be around for a long time!
Q: What makes you the happiest?
My family, my grandkids, being on the water and skiing. We are never guaranteed tomorrow so I like to live by this motto- LIVE EACH DAY TO THE FULLEST!!
Where to Find Nancy Farley
Just look around, she’s got to be here, if not, she will be soon!
