Nancy Lou Spray

It is with deep affection and heavy heart, that I announce the unexpected passing in Temecula, CA, of my dear sister, Nancy Lou Ferris-Spray, at the age of 76, on October 17, 2025. Born on Groundhog Day, February 2, 1949, Nancy became the first pride and joy to Patricia Elaine (Pat) and John Herbert (Jack) Ferris Jr.. Nancy was born at Mercy Hospital in San Diego with rheumatic fever, which ultimately lead to a sedentary lifestyle. Her truest joy was music, especially Christmas carols and musicals. Singing was truly her lifelong passion. She often sang “The Hawaiian Wedding Song” at events while her sister danced the Hula. Birthdays were rarely missed without a call from Nancy singing “Happy Birthday” wishes. Her angelic voice was enjoyed by all who heard her. Being fond of traveling, she and Mom traveled extensively throughout the world by air, land, and sea via multiple cruises. Wow! The tales and photos she would share were greeted with much joy and laughter. It cannot go without mentioning her intense delight while playing Trivial Pursuit. She was an expert, and anyone would have loved to have been on her team! After graduation from La Jolla High School in 1967, she attended Chapman College World Campus Afloat, a shipboard education that sent her to several countries. After that year, she worked at various banks and eventually took on a civilian job with the U.S. Navy at North Island, San Diego, CA. After 42 years employment there, she decided to live the “life of retirement”.

Her memory lives on through her immediate family: her sister Martha Ferris (Marty); her half-brother John H. Ferris (Jack) and his wife Bobbi; her sister-in-law Joan Ferris (wife of deceased brother Robert D. Ferris (Bob) ); and her extended family in Spain (through AFS): her sister Marita (Antonio) and brothers José (Ana), Pedro (Ana), Javi, and Luis; her niece Wendi Johnston; her nephews Sean Ferris (Julie), Jack Ferris, and Joey Ferris; her many great-nieces and great-nephews, and a plethora of loving cousins. Those who predeceased her include her parents, Pat and Jack Ferris, her brother Bob, and her Spanish parents Pedro Rodriguez-Muñoz and Emilia Hidalgo-Ruíz. Up until her final day, Nancy lead a life of Love for God, family and friends….full of compassion, kindness, and appreciation. Nancy’s joyful spirit will be forever remembered as a loving sister, aunt, cousin, and friend….always ready to lend an ear and offer thoughtful words from her Huge heart!

A memorial service is yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The American Heart Association or to the Al Bahr Shrine Center located at 5440 Kearny Mesa Road, San Diego, CA 92111.

So, as Nancy would ALWAYS end a conversation….”Ciao for Now”!