Obituary of Nancy J. Rappaport

Nancy J. Rappaport passed away peacefully on Monday, January 27, 2020 at Morristown Medical Center. She had shared 81 years of love, laughter, and amazing memories with family and friends. Born in Philadelphia, PA, Nancy was raised in Oklahoma for a short period of time before she and her family relocated to Drexel Hill, PA, she a graduate of Upper Darby High School and attended Westchester College. During her young adult years, she sang professionally as a church soloist. On January 27, 1973 she married the love of her life and soulmate, A. Norman Rappaport in Knoxville, TN. Nancy was honored to be an Army Wife and she called many places home with her husband and family including St. Louis, MO., East Pepperell, Ma., and even Germany before settling into their forever home in Denville in the early 80’s. Nancy was a preservationist AKC Breeder of Merit and a BTCA Breeder of Distinction. She was a world wide recognized Breeder/owner/handler of Bedlington Terriers and owner/breeder of vizslas. She bred the first FCI International American-Bred Bedlington terrier champion, she personally showed and finished the first American-bred German Champion and bred/owned the 1989 Westminster Kennel Club Best of Breed winner. She bred, owned and/or handled more than 70 titled dog over many competitive venues and numerous top producing sires and dams. Nancy advocated pedigree knowledge, temperament, health and adherence to the breed standard, above all qualities in her breeding line. Her years of dedication resulted in 17 generations of Starcastle Bedlington Terriers, a legacy that will be passed to future generations and effects preservationist breeders and their pedigree lines worldwide. Nancy was an authentic homemaker, wife, mother, caregiver, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her family always came first, and no one was better than her at making sure they were completely pampered. We will never forget her amazing voice, vivacious personality, and devotion to the ones she loved. Although we are deeply saddened by her sudden passing, we take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her mother and father and generations of Starcastle dogs from decades past. She leaves only joyful memories to her beloved husband of 47 years, Norm Rappaport; her adored children, Danielle, Ralph (Nancy Jeanne), William (Melody), and Carol (Joseph); her treasured grandchildren, Samantha (Stephan), Elizabeth, Deanna and Joseph Jr.; her three loving great-grandchildren, Natalya, Nikolai and Katiya. All services will be private. Memorial Donations are being accepted to The Vizsla Club of America Welfare Foundation, 379 Costa Mesa Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, https://www.vcaweb.org/welfare/donate.shtml or Paws and Stripes, 617 Truman Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, https://www.pawsandstripes.org/ways-to-give. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Nancy here to continue to celebrate the life that she shared with us.