She met her husband Jack on the first day of her freshman year at Oak Park High School, and they remained high school sweethearts for over 74 years. Nancy graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana and quickly put her education degree to use, teaching grade school in both Arizona and California.
Jack and Nancy were married in 1954 in Oak Park, Illinois where they officially began their full life together. They moved six times in eight years in order to support Jack’s career with IBM, all while raising their four children together.
Nancy’s positive attitude and adventuresome spirit were always evident, along with her deep and unconditional love of her family. She was selfless and generous, including her time working to support families staying at the Ronald McDonald house, and also while volunteering for the Seattle Crisis clinic.
In 1972 Jack and Nancy made a family decision to settle on Mercer Island. They built a home on Lake Washington, where their family could enjoy boating, skiing and frequent access to the beauty of the San Juan Islands. It was from Mercer Island that Jack was able to pursue a variety of business interests, with Nancy by his side.
Nancy enjoyed painting, yet many would say her greatest creative endeavor was the design and creation of “R” Cabin – a special place in the San Juan Islands for her children and grandchildren to enjoy quality family time in nature for years to come.
Nancy passed away peacefully on November 4th surrounded by members of her loving family.
Nancy is survived by her brother Roy Peregrine, her loving husband Jack, their four children and spouses (Jack and Leslie Rodgers, Tom and Kimberly Rodgers, Sue and Dave Sturtevant, Sandy and Duncan Haynes), seven grandchildren and their spouses (Blake (Natalie), Casey (Meaghan), Keegan (Ari), Cate, Jackie, Matt, Summer) and two great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Mercer Island Community Center, 8236 SE 24th St, on Friday, November 16 at 1:00 PM.
Memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House (rmhcseattle.org) or Tiny Trees Preschool (Tinytrees.org.)
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