Nancy Elizabeth Smith
March 29, 1936 - April 21, 2021
Obituary
Nancy Elizabeth Smith, 85, passed away at Peace Health Hospital in Vancouver, Washington, on April 21, 2021.
Nancy was born in Chicago, IL on March 29, 1936, to Sidney Sr. and Mabel Smith. In her teen years, Nancy and her family moved to the Pacific Northwest, living in Spokane, and settling in the Seattle area where she attended high school and college.
Nancy graduated from Seattle University in 1966, with a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Sociology. Nancy began her teaching career at Woodmont Elementary School in Federal Way, where she taught first and second grade classes for 30 years. After retiring from teaching, Nancy became a real estate agent. After moving from the Seattle area she lived in Olympia, Manzanita, and finally settled to Woodland, Washington.
Nancy is survived by her brother, Sidney J. Smith, Jr. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney Sr, and Mabel Smith, brother Brian James Smith, brother Jeffery Smith, and sister Christine Donovan.
Nancy was a devout Catholic and a member of the St. Frances of Assisi Catholic Church in Burien, Washington, which is where she did her student teaching.
Nancy loved art, literature, and dance. She was an avid reader. She was devoted to spending time with her family and her dog, “Brandy.” Nancy loved to ski and was a member of the Mountaineers Hiking group based in Seattle, WA. Nancy will be remembered as kind, thoughtful, and dedicated to her religion. She will be missed by all. Rest in Peace dear Sister.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi on Tuesday August 24th at 11am, to be followed by inurnment at Washington Memorial Park at noon. All are welcome to attend the Graveside Committal virtually at https://my.gather.app/remember/nancy-e-smith
My dearly loved Aunt Nancy, I will never forget the wonderful times I spent with you throughout my childhood years! You helped spark my love of nature, art and the great outdoors. Always patient, kind and generous with your time, we had scenic drives to beautiful places, long hikes through the woods and along beaches, church services followed by treasure hunting in second-hand stores, and wonderful lunches in beautiful locations. I loved that you were an avid follower and lover of natural therapies and health food way back in the day when it wasn’t even a thing yet; juicing carrots, eating raw foods, taking vitamins and sharing tips on what you learned and lived, and how to look at healthy living in a different way, I found you unique and fascinating – in many ways, you were a pioneer of your time! You were a wonderful and devoted lifelong teacher to those who knew you. I will always hold you in my heart and remember you with deep love and affection. Forever grateful my beautiful Aunt Nancy, May you Rest In blessed Peace. ♥️🙏♥️ Your niece Stephanie
Nancy or “Fleet of Foot” as she was called, was a gentle and steadfast teacher and friend. She was well respected as an educator and both empathetic and loyal as a friend. Her botanical knowledge was extensive and thanks to her, I was able to acquire a new appreciation for naturopathic medicine. She was polite, kind and courteous, yet possessed a quiet strength coupled with a delightful sense of humor! Rest in peace, dear friend, until our souls meet again.
Oh, when I pause to think of Nancy so many wonderful memories come to mind! Sweet, kind, thoughtful, caring, sharing… the list goes on! I’m so pleased that we were able to make this “closing” connection. Thanks, Ellen, for being the link in our chain of friendship. Let’s plan to take a few minutes in our zoom meeting to share!
Nancy was an Angel who walked among us at Woodmont! She was an inspiration to everyone!
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of my Aunt Nancy is gentle, kind, and patient. What lovely qualities Aunt Nancy possessed. She was a beautiful person both inside and out and she blessed my life in more ways than I can count. I have many sweet memories of Nancy that I will treasure. During our visits with Nancy we enjoyed time taking beautiful walks, scenic drives, eating delicious meals, and indulging in delicious desserts–mostly ice cream with chocolate sauce!
While growing up in Spokane we made many trips to Seattle and would always visit with Nancy, in college I spent a summer living with Nancy, after college I was able to substitute teach Nancy’s class (I was in awe of the amazing teacher she was–teaching was her true calling), after getting married and having our family we asked Nancy to be the God Mother to both our children, and as our kids grew we enjoyed fun visits to see her in Olympia and Manzanita. Nancy always welcomed our family and took care to plan special things for us to do.
When I think of Nancy I will remember her soft laugh and the warm smile that always followed her laughter. Nancy will be dearly missed but knowing she is in God’s loving presence brings comfort.
Love you Nancy,
Laura Davis
Pamela J Graham