Nanna Ailene Cross

Nanna Ailene Cross passed away at the age of 81 on Tuesday, Dec. 3, in her home in Chicago, with family and friends by her side.

Nanna was born June 29, 1943, in Ogallala, Neb., to Wilsie Logan Cross and Ruth Lillian (Rasmussen) Cross and lived northwest of Arthur, Neb., on the family ranch. She was the only sister to five brothers: Rex, Donald, Harry, Wayne and Robert. Growing up, Nanna was often responsible for the care of her younger brothers. She helped with daily chores around the house, gardening, and preparing meals. She helped make their clothes and was quite the creative craftsperson. In addition, Nanna was known for her prized 4-H calves during the summer months and showing at the Arthur County Fair. She also loved cats, owning several throughout the years - including Maya, Muffin, and Christy.

Her professional background was extensive and the impact she had throughout her educational career was broad. In 1965, she graduated from Kearney State College with a Bachelor of Science in Vocational Home Economics and taught 2 years at Ainsworth High School, Ainsworth, NE. Shortly after, she moved to Fort Collins, Colo., and received her Master of Science in Food Science and Nutrition from Colorado State University in 1969. After graduating, she moved to Columbia, Mo., to become the Clinical and Research Dietitian at the University of Missouri Hospitals and Clinics. During this time, she contributed to the American Dietetic Association, which continued until her passing. Nanna worked at St. Luke’s Hospital as the administrative clinical dietitian. In 1993, she graduated from the University of Missouri - Columbia with a Doctorate (Ph.D.) of Philosophy in Human Nutrition.

Nanna served in several adjunct professor roles within the food science and dietetics industry, at institutions such as Kaplan University, St. Louis University and the University of Illinois - Chicago. In addition to teaching, Nanna was a distinguished author. She wrote articles for the Journal of the American Dietetic Association and co-authored numerous textbooks, such as Stanfield's Introduction to Health Professions and Stanfield's Essential Medical Terminology. Nanna Cross and Dana C. McWay edited the last publication that was published in 2023.

She was active in social justice efforts in Chicago. She was particularly involved with the Jane Addams Senior Caucus and was the Leader of the Housing Committee. Nanna was passionate about health care issues, advocating for healthcare for all.

Nanna joined the Second Unitarian Church in Chicago in 1978 and was an active member ever since. She engaged in the women’s group, choir, pastoral care, small group ministry, and beloved conversations. She also served as secretary of the Board of Trustees. Her presence in this community was felt throughout the church, but also those outside of 2U.

Nanna’s life was full through her chosen family in Chicago, St. Louis, and beyond. She contributed to her neighborhood community garden throughout the year. One of the reasons she loved living in Chicago was the experience of live jazz, theatre, symphonies, and gallery exhibits. Nanna was a lifelong learner, and her desire to understand many cultures was felt and seen throughout her life.

Her love for research continued into family history as she was often uncovering new connections and interesting stories shared across both the Cross and Rasmussen sides. She accompanied her nieces to Denmark summer of 2023 to share past footsteps where she connected with family on her first trip in 1978.

We will miss Nanna deeply – her fierce independence, direct sense of humor, and passion for equity will be felt for years to come.

Her memorial service will be at 11 a.m. CST on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at the Second Unitarian Church, 656 W. Barry Ave, Chicago 60657. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to 2U - Click “additional giving” https://secondunitarian.breezechms.com/give/online and to WTTW, Chicago’s Public Radio. We will be broadcasting the service via Zoom.

Nanna is survived by her brothers; Rex, Don, Harry, Wayne, and Robert; many extended family cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and an infant nephew.