Nora Lee Frances (Kane) Naas, age 86, passed away Friday, June 20, 2025. Nora Lee was born on September 11, 1938, in Winona, MN, to Marie (McNichols) and Thomas J. Kane. She graduated from Winona Senior High School before going on to attend St. Teresa College in Winona, MN.
Nora married Fred W. Naas January 24, 1959, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, MN. Together they had five children: Fred, Paul, Julie, Catherine, and Philip. After their marriage they briefly lived in Chicago, IL, Toledo, OH, and Omaha, NE before returning to Winona in June of 1960 where they have remained residents.
Nora was very athletic. As a teenager, she was an accomplished golfer, ice skater, and equestrian, and was the Winona City Woman’s Golf Champion. She was active in the Women’s Auxiliary at Winona Health and was the co-president of the MN State Hospital Auxiliaries with Betty Data. Nora was heavily involved with Winona Health’s Holiday Bazaars.
Nora enjoyed the family cabin in northern Minnesota, entertaining family, friends and especially her prayer group. For many years she hosted the prayer group at the annual retreat with Fr. Tom.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Phillip; and brother, Thomas J. Kane, Jr.
Nora is survived by her husband, Fred W. Naas; children: Fred T. Naas, Paul M. Naas, Julie M. Naas, and Cathryn E. Naas; 13 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; a sister Kathleen Kane; sisters-in-law: Elsie Dunne, Janet Stever, Barbara Gerber; and a brother-in-law Kent Stever
Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Winona, with Reverend Russ Scepaniak officiating. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Winona, MN. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. in the Visitation Commons at St. Mary’s Church.
A special thank you to Noah Naas and Katie Hjelmeland and the Winona Health Hospice for the special care given to Nora these past weeks.
Memorials can be given to Winona Health Hospice or the donors preference.
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