Nancy Knoblock Helmig, beloved daughter of the late William A. and Helen Boakes Knoblock, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on June 22, 2020. Nancy was born on October 6, 1931 in Pittsfield, MA.

Nancy attended Pittsfield public schools and the University of Rochester before transferring to and graduating from Smith College, Northampton, MA.Nancy graduated Cum Laude with Honors in Government in 1953.

Nancy was employed with the National Security Agency where she met and married Richard C. Simler in 1954.The two had six children together and resided in Kensington MD for 22 years. While being a busy mother of six, Nancy remained passionate for civil rights issues, having several Letters to the Editor of the Washington Post published, participated in programs to benefit the marginalized, and was active in NOW and her local Presbyterian church.

In 1979 she met and married Dr. Walter R. Helmig. With Walter's children the clan grew to 10.Nancy and Walter enjoyed tennis, skiing, traveling, family dinners and vacations to Cape Hatteras. Nancy is fondly remembered for the integral part she played in the recovery communities wherever she lived.Nancy's laugh, quick wit, love of food, superior intellect and knitting talents will forever be treasured to all who knew her.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband Dr. Walter R. Helmig and her beautiful life will forever be cherished by her six children: Melissa O'Connor of Santa Barbara, CA, Stacy Simler and Andrew (Knobby) Simler of Laguna Niguel, CA, Ellen Mays, of Rockville, MD, Amy Taylor of Laguna Hills, CA and Jackie Hahn of Gaithersburg, Md. and her stepchildren Patty Helmig, of Tucson, AZ, Cathy Snyder of Bethesda, MD, Robert Helmig, of Tucson, AZ and Tim Helmig ofBethesda, MD. She is also cherished by her 14 grandchildren and two great granchdilren, with one on the way.

A small private viewing will be held for immediate family Saturday June 27.A public service will be planned at some point in the future for friends and additional family.