Nancy Lee Gosnell

Nancy Lee Hickox of Carlsbad, California passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the age of 88. She was born on April 21, 1937, in Rifle, Colorado, and was raised in Silt, Colorado. She was a 1955 graduate of Rifle High School, where she was the manager of the school basketball team.

Nancy grew up with two sisters. Mary Ann and Betty. Her mother, Anna, was a primary grade school teacher. Her father, Fred, worked for the county in road construction and maintenance in Colorado. Nancy worked as an accountant for Meadow Gold Dairy when she was introduced to James William Gosnell. They were married September 8, 1957, in Silt, Colorado, and moved to Pensacola, Florida. Nancy raised four children in San Diego during Jim’s career in the U.S. Navy until he retired as a MCPO Supply Corps. She hosted family and cooked many meals for an ever-growing family. She worked at the Navy Exchange at NAS Miramar and then at NTC San Diego for over twenty years. Nancy was active in the NEX retirement organization and remained in touch with many of her colleagues over the years. Nancy and Jim enjoyed many great years together in retirement in Escondido, Oceanside and Carlsbad.

Nancy and Jim were actively involved in Miramar Chief’s club with friends, playing bingo, dancing and enjoying time together. They built a house in Cantamar, Mexico, spending time with friends Sue and Dale and other friends for many years. They spent time watching their 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren grow and thrive, supporting their activities. She loved to make sure everyone received birthday cards, Christmas stockings, always with money tucked in. Nancy enjoyed the Christmas holiday season and seeing the grand and great grandchildren open presents and sharing dinners.

Nancy was preceded in death by their son, Michael William Gosnell.

Nancy is survived by her spouse James William Gosnell, son James Lee Gosnell (spouse Nancy), daughters Deborah Ann Hayden and Linda Jean Vydra (spouse Scott), fourteen grandchildren: James, Samantha (spouse Felix), Kimberly, Gary (spouse Vanessa), Kaylyn, Anna and Ethan and Nancy’s children (Jim’s spouse children Dan (spouse Kit), Claire, Tim, Vui) and five great-grandchildren Athena, Charlotte, Leia, Esmeralda, and Theodore.

Nancy was a most optimistic, inclusive and accepting person. She encouraged her family and everyone she met and was a sympathetic listener. She prayed to God for blessings for family and friends. She served as a rock and supporter for so many people throughout her life. For Nancy and Jim, their family and friends were their entire focus in retirement and life. Nancy survived many rounds with cancer, falls, arthritis and health issues with a positive and overcoming attitude of gratefulness for all her blessings. When she and Jim moved into La Marea Senior Living she thrived, enjoying the social activities and making new friends.

The family would like to thank La Marea Senior Living in Carlsbad staff and the Scripps Medical team for the care and compassion they showed our loved one in her final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at El Camino Sorrento Valley Memorial Mortuary at 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121 on Friday, October 24, 2025. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00AM.

Interment to follow at El Camino Sorrento Valley Memorial Mortuary at 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in their honor to

Susan G. Komen® - 2025 DIY - Memorial : Nancy Lee Gosnell

May Nancy rest in peace in Heaven where she has been reunited with family and friends. She is sending God’s blessings to everyone.