Nancy Ann Nesbit

(April 5, 1947-June 8, 2018)

Nancy Ann Nesbit, 71, of Penngrove, CA passed away at Kentfield Hospital in Marin County on Friday, June 8, 2018, after a long struggle with heart-lung illness. She was surrounded by family members including her son Jim Chaaban, 49 of Napa, and life partner of 40-years, Lois M. Ochs.

Nancy was born on April 9, 1945, at San Jose Hospital near her Los Gatos family home where she grew up on Longwood Drive and Jasmine Way. The daughter of Mary Lee “Katy” Nesbit and Dwight Everett “Dave” Nesbit, a brickwork contractor and WWII merchant marine, both of Los Gatos and later of Sonoma.

Nancy graduated Los Gatos High School the class of 1965. After giving birth to twins, Ray (of Penngrove) and Jim Chaaban (of Napa), in 1968, Nancy moved to Van Nuys California where she raised her boys until moving to Sonoma Valley in 1975 and later establishing her life with longtime partner, and a fellow nurse, Lois Ochs in 1979. Her sons Ray and Jim both attended Petaluma High School and upon graduation joined the United States Marine Corps to serve their country honorably.

Nancy was a graduate of the 1998 Santa Rosa Junior College nursing program and worked as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse throughout her career including Petaluma Valley, Queen of the Valley and Sonoma Valley Hospitals. Many of Nancy’s friends and family fondly remember her as “Nurse Nancy,” for she was devoted to her profession and had a gift for healing hearts and wounds. Her son Jim recalls “she was the most empathetic person I’ve ever known.” She maintained her nursing license until the end.

Nancy lived a full and active life. Nancy’s life partner, Lois affectionately recalls “Nancy was an avid reader, and she enjoyed travelling, shopping and Country music. Blake Shelton was her favorite singer. Also cooking. Nancy loved to try new recipes. In her younger years she loved to dance.”

Nancy’s death was preceded by her mother and father Dave E. and Katy L. Nesbit (of Sonoma), and elder brothers David (of Taos, NM) and Bob Nesbit (of Chico), as well as her much-loved furry companions Tiber (meow) and twins Fudge and Sassy (ruff).

Nancy is survived by her son Ray Chaaban (Penngrove), other son Jim Chaaban and his wife Shany Chaaban (of Napa), and her granddaughter Olivia Chaaban (of Fulton) and her husband Joseph Thomas; and Nancy’s grandson Ezrah Chaaban (of Sonoma), his wife Sarah Teves and their lovely daughter Hailey Chaaban. She is also survived by her niece Sarah (Nesbit) Chacon of Hernderson NV, cousin Dianne Platner of San Francisco, uncle Bob Platner 93 of Grass Valley, and most importantly, she is survived by her many friends and nurses. She will be missed.

The family would like to thank Kentfield Hospital and their staff. Nancy considered herself an honorary mentor of the nursing team. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Kentfield Hospital Foundation to serve the needs of low in come patients and their families: 1125 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Kentfield, CA 94904, 1125 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Kentfield, CA 94904.

There will be a service of Nancy’s life on Friday, July 13, 2pm, at the Los Gatos Memorial Park, 2255 Los Gatos Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95124. For details please call 707-975-2057.

Elegy – in memory of Nancy Nesbit

By Jim Chaaban, beloved son

June 12, 2018

Mothers live on.

They endure.

In life:

They teach.

We absorb.

We observe, listen, and reflect.

In life’s transitions:

They give us comfort and courage.

They learn to let go.

So must we.

Where do they go when they die?

In the heart.

How may we find her?

There is a place in the heart where everything meets. If you go there you will find your answers. Are you there now? Find your way there and others may follow.

Mothers live on.