Nancy Kaufman

When a friendship lasts more than 55 years, it is hard to pick out just a few memories to reflect on. But the first that comes to mind is the 2:00 a.m. study breaks to get cream cheese bagels near the IU campus. Then sharing a tiny apartment in grad school – and inviting our parents for our first attempt at Thanksgiving - and floating the turkey in the bathtub to thaw. Another memorable meal – introducing you to Chinese food (which had never been tried and could not be separated on the plate.) Then setting out to seek our fortunes after graduation in the DC area. The shared house in Alexandria would set the stage for decades of a passion for politics, cultural life, and the best that DC had to offer.

There were also the summer trips to the beach – car overloaded, sometimes with stuff, sometimes with stuff and dogs. And oh, those dogs. What an achievement - two finished champions.

Even after I married there were the all-night talks as we solved the problems of the world. I still remember ushering in the New Year by watching the celebration in New York and talking until it arrived in California.

I will never forget staying with you to be closer to the hospital when my first baby came along – and you became “Aunt Nancy” for the first time., a role you played for decades.

And finally, when you moved to Charlottesville to be closer to our family: the trips to the beauty shop, family birthdays, and holiday dinners together, all the good times we enjoyed will be cherished memories.

Our family was saddened when you could no longer go out but it was a privilege to bring the party to you. The greatest privilege though was helping you find the care you needed and checking in to stay connected.

With love and gratitude, Nancy. You were a dear friend and will always be in my heart. Rest in peace relieved of your physical burdens and enjoy a beautiful crossing. Love, Bev