OBITUARY
Nancy Louise Shammas
October 15, 1955 – November 29, 2012
Nancy L Shammas October 15, 1955 – November 29, 2012
Pacific Grove ~ Nancy Louise Shammas, 57, passed away on Thursday, November 29, 2012 after a 5 year challenge with breast cancer. She was born on October 15, 1955 in Carmel, California. She attended St. Angela's Elementary School, Junipero Memorial High School and graduated from Pacific Grove High in 1973. She graduated from MPC and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Relations and Organizational Behavior from University of San Francisco in 1980, graduating Cum Laude.
Nancy began her career at Gateway Center in Pacific Grove as a program coordinator. She then went on to become the first executive director of the Monterey County Special Olympics. In 1989, Nancy joined the staff at Digital Research as Human Resources Administrator. Nancy began a new career in publishing, working for Brooks/Cole Publishing Company as a Senior Production Editor. In 1999, she opened her own publishing services company, New Leaf Publishing, managing book projects for major textbook publishers and counseling clients with self-publishing projects. Most recently, Nancy was also the Blood Donor Recruiter for Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula.
Nancy was an active member of the community. She served on the board for the Skills Center, Inc., was a board member and graduate of Leadership Monterey Peninsula, and served on the Executive Program Committee of California Special Olympics. Nancy was an especially committed member of the Rotary Club of Pacific Grove. She proudly served as president from July 2011 to July 2012.
Nancy loved to travel and saw many parts of the world; she just returned from a European vacation and cruise with her brother in September. She loved the outdoors and long hikes. She especially loved Big Sur and Yosemite. She enjoyed playing softball and beach volleyball, making lifelong friends. Nancy was a devoted San Francisco Giants fan.
Nancy was a generous person and cared greatly for people. She was a beloved daughter, sister and aunt. She had a close relationship with her family and had a special bond with her nieces and nephews. She is survived by her mother, Betty Shammas of Pacific Grove; sisters, Beth (Richard Gray) Shammas of Monterey and Anne (Jeff) Swedberg of Aptos; brother, Joe Shammas, Pacific Grove; nieces and nephews, Eron, Karson (Jacqueline), Krista and Julie Swedberg; Jamil and Nicolas Salas, Layla (Dror) Manor, Marta (Matt) Dalhamer and Coby and Robbie Shammas. Her father, Jacob, predeceased her in 1999. Nancy also leaves her beloved dog, Lola, in the care of Allen Bubar.
The Shammas family would like to acknowledge and thank “Nancy’s Team”: Dr Jerome Rubin, Mariana Nunez, Anna Thomsen, Beatrice Levinson, Dr Bonnie Gintis, the Oncology Nurses at CHOMP, Dr Diego Sanmiquel, Joy Smith, Amy Dore and Dr. Joanna Zhao. The family also thanks Nancy’s best friends, Laverne Baker-Leyva and Judy Gonzales for their constant love and support. A memorial Mass will be celebrated this Friday, December 7 at 11:00 am at St. Angela’s Merici Catholic Church, Lighthouse and 9th St. in Pacific Grove. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Pacific Grove Rotary Legacy Fund, P.O Box 51, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950 or consider donating blood at Community Hospital’s blood center. Please visit www.thepaulmortuary.com to sign Nancy’s guest book and leave messages for her family.
Services
- Memorial Mass Friday, December 7, 2012
REMEMBERING
Nancy Louise Shammas
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RECEIVE UPDATESLorie Thomas-Salas
September 19, 2013
She was one of the best Aunt's a person could ever have and is missed DEARLY! Such and overall wonderful person words can't even describe. You are missed TREMENDOUSLY and are in out thought's and prayer's everyday. Love Always, Lorie Dolores DelPilar Salas-Thomas (The Thomas's- Salas's)
Barbara Palazola
June 18, 2013
That bright, shining star in the night sky must be Nancy. Condolences to her family and friends.
Brian Ellinoy
December 24, 2012
I am very saddened to learn of Nancy's passing and my condolences go out to all of her family and friends. She was an exceptional person who gave so much to all of us, the community, and the world, continuing to smile all the while despite her illness. I was privileged to be one of the members of her health team and treasured every moment we had together.
December 23, 2012
To all of the Shammas Family, I was deeply saddened to learn of Nancy's passing. May you be blessed with peace and comfort at this sad time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Kathy Austin
Lisa Handley
December 18, 2012
To Nancy's family and loved ones,
I was saddened to hear the news about Nancy. I was a fellow yoga student in the same class as Nancy and enjoyed her kind and beautiful spirit. May much love surround and comfort you.
Sending you my heartfelt sympathy,
Lisa Handley
Tamara Botkin
December 16, 2012
Dear family and loved ones of Nancy:
I was priviledged to be Nancy's yoga teacher for many years. In actuality, I am usually taught by my students, and with Nancy that could not have been more true. Her kind ways, lovely quick smile, and generous soul emanated all of yoga's lessons and her presence in class gave us all love. Though I recently relocated to the east coast, I was able to stay connected to Nancy. I saw her last January and though she struggling, her beauty and inner spirit radiated even more. Her graceful and loving memory will remain with me and all those she touched always. Blessings to her family.
December 13, 2012
Our condolances to the Shammas family. We will miss our dear customer and friend of so many years. May God Bless her soul.
Petra Restaurant and Nimri Family (Pacific Grove, CA and Fayetteville GA)
David Dilworth
December 12, 2012
Dear Nancy,
You lived so well. Your kindness, especially for those who need help, your thoughtfulness and bright spirit brought so many people better lives.
Thank you.
December 11, 2012
Joe,
I'm so sorry to hear about your sister. My thoughts are with you and your family. Jan Hanson (Beardslee)
Becky Richardson Wales
December 11, 2012
I just heard the sad news about Nancy's passing. Nancy welcomed me into her life when I moved to Pacific Grove in 1972. What fun we had!!! I didn't see her again for almost thirty years and it was like we had never been apart. Her service to others touched so many lives. My prayers are with her family and friends.
Laurel Costen
December 10, 2012
To Anne and the Shammas family,
Nancy was truly an unforgettable individual who positively touched so many lives. Her caring influence will be felt in those lives for many years to come.
The holidays will be hard, but I hope the memories of happy times in the past with Nancy will make these harder days easier for you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sue McFeron
December 10, 2012
Nancy was one of the nicest people I've had the pleasure to call a friend. Though we weren't close, it was always like no time had past when we would see each other and catch up. Her smile and upbeat spirit will be missed.
Hiam &Nabih Kanbar
December 9, 2012
she was an exceptional and special person.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family.
Adam & Bruna Weiland
December 8, 2012
Joe & Family, Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to you and yours at this time. Nancy will always be remembered as the sweet and kind person she was. We will keep Nancy and you in our prayers.
Carla Karloff
December 8, 2012
She was such a special person..
Lyndon Schutzler
December 7, 2012
I took Geometry at PG High in the early 70's. I hated everything about the class except sitting next to Nancy. Although I did not see her often, the smile was always the same. A special person.
Jamie Sue Brooks
December 7, 2012
Nancy was a bright spirit and I will always remember her smile, her laugh, her generous heart. Nancy's involvement with the community and her close ties to her wonderful family enriched us all. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Dennis Mar
December 7, 2012
I met Nancy playing volleyball at the beach. After that summer, it did not matter how infrequently you might encounter her. She would always greet you like a long-lost friend and would be so anxious to hear what you were doing. There was something electric about her.
Geoff Malloway
December 7, 2012
Nancy- I was saddened to hear of your passing but I know that you're out of suffering and that I will see you again down the road. You gave it a great fight. Though I didn't know you well, I did enjoy working with you on blood drives that my shop sponsored. You will be missed. My sincerest condolences to your family and friends.
December 7, 2012
We were very saddened to hear of Nancy's death. I was one of her doctors for many years and knew her as a kind and caring woman with a beautiful personality. She will be missed a lot. Our prayers and sympathies go out to her family and friends.
Michael & Joyce Eandi (Pebble Beach)
Leila Hill
December 6, 2012
Nancy was a beautiful person and I looked up to her in my teens. I am sorry to hear of this sad news. She was so positive and giving-a wonderful impression on me-my love to you all. Leila Knight Hill
Tessa Avila
December 6, 2012
Nancy, I will miss you very much. It doesn't seem right that you are not in the world. You were so kind to me when I started at Brooks/Cole; you helped me learn and feel confident, then we grew into a friendship of equals. You made everyone around you feel cheerful and like it would all be just fine. I trusted you with my inner self immediately. I'm sorry we didn't get to have another lunch together; I am sending strength to your wonderful family as they adjust to life without you. You'll live on, though, in many, many hearts.
Woody Knight Jr.
December 6, 2012
Precious child so loved and adored, you will be missed among the living, but you are free now to join those who have gone on before us to sing eternal praises before the amazing Throne of Grace. We shall undergird all that you held dear and close to your heart with our love, our prayers, and our ongoing support.
December 6, 2012
My heart aches at the loss of Nancy, a dear friend for 50+ years. She was so much fun to be with and deeply cared for her family, friends and the causes in the community that she served. I will miss you always and cherish the memories. Nancy...yours was a life well lived.
Lori Hughes-Begley
Woody Knight Jr.
December 6, 2012
Precious child so loved and adored, you will be missed among the living, but you are free now to join those who have gone on before us to sing eternal praises before the amazing Throne of Grace. We shall undergird all that you held dear and close to your heart with our love, our prayers, and our ongoing support.
Polly Fry
December 6, 2012
To the Shammas family, especially my dear friend Joe - I am so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. It is so sad when a sibling (daughter, aunt or friend) passes, you will miss her always but I am so glad you have wonderfulf memories - those will keep you going...the songs she loved, her birthday etc will be sad at first, but you will soon find comfort. My deepest and sincere sympathy.
Keith Faivre
December 6, 2012
Nancy, Nancy. I am stunned and heartbroken. I will always remember our years together at Brooks/Cole, where we couldn't be in the same room together without laughing and laughing. I will especially remember our last time together, when Brooks/Cole was closing and I was moving away and we went to Stokes Adobe for a farewell lunch and I made you laugh so hard that you couldn't see through the tears. And now I can't. Rest easy, my dear. You were a pearl of great price. My deep condolences to the Shammas family.
John Castro
December 6, 2012
Thank you Nancy for the wonderful memories. May God bless you and keep you forever and ever. Amen
Shelley Gesicki
December 6, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. She truly knew how to make someone feel like they were the most interesting person in the room with her sincerity and geniune interest in them. I will miss her laugh and her enthusiasm. She was a joy to know.
Curt Lowensen
December 6, 2012
Nancy was a pleasure to work with at Brooks/Cole and always had a smile on her face. My prayers and condolences to the family.
Penelope Sky
December 6, 2012
During our time together at Brooks/Cole I felt very close to Nancy, and I deeply regret my hesitancy in maintaining our friendship when we left. She was a very giving person, generous with her attention, advice, and laughter. I was impressed by her ability to devote herself to a wide variety of interests and causes, giving her full attention to each without appearing to wear herself out. Her obvious love for her large family and theirs for her was beautiful to witness, and she clearly adored her friends. I've been looking at her photo on and off all day, with a lump in my throat. Nancy, you rock, girl, and I'm proud to have known you.
Al & Teresa Borges
December 5, 2012
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.
Lorraine Faherty
December 5, 2012
to Nancy's family and friends: i am so sorry for your loss. The loss of her bright smile and contributions to her community will be felt by many. As a fellow Past President (2011-12) of Rotary (Damariscotta-Newcastle Maine), i will be sending a donation in her honor to the PG Rotary Legacy Fund.
Monte Roecker
December 5, 2012
Nancy was a wonderful and caring person that always had a smile on her face when she saw you. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
December 5, 2012
You have our deepest sympathy for such a great loss. Our family is so much richer to have had Nancy in our lives. Nancy was an example of how to live your life. She was a shining jewel in the world and now she will be a special light for all of us in heaven.
We love you all and pray for God's peace and comfort.
Faith, Garrett & Reade
Terry Alexander
December 5, 2012
Joe and family,
Our thoughts are with you at this time. If you need anything, just holler over the fence.
Terry and Kathy
Neil and Joan Selbicky
December 5, 2012
Our prayers and condolences are with the family.
Jeri Techman
December 5, 2012
While I did not know Nancy personally, I do know how much she was loved by my dear friend Jan Odahl. I pray that the reality of heaven's joys that Nancy is now experiencing combined with your precious memories will bring comfort to all of her family and friends.
Delores (Deniz) Ward
December 5, 2012
To all the Shammas family. Nancy will definitely be missed. Having known the family since the early 60's and being Judy's sister-in-law, and love of baseball, I have been blest to spend time here and there with Nancy through the years. Her candle will continue to burn through all of you. Betty, thank you for your beautiful daughter.
December 5, 2012
My prayers are with you -Nancy's family & friends. May you hold happy memories in your heart. Julie Heilman
Doug and Dee Rieffel
December 4, 2012
Although we had been in Nancy's company only a few times she made a great impression on us with her warmth and wit. She was upbeat and just plain enjoyable - and even if she was working at an event it always appeared as though it was a fun and joyous occasion for her. Our hearts and deep felt sympathy go out to her loving family. If we could pass tissues out over the internet we would.
John Christensen
December 4, 2012
I was blessed to have known Nancy a sweet, kind and giving woman. She will be dearly missed.
Mary Gibson
December 4, 2012
Our family will miss Nancy. We know she is in a better place, free from pain, but those left behind truly mourn her passing. We are with you in spirit.
Mary Eckenrode Gibson and family
Jeannie Cordero
December 4, 2012
Ever since St. Angela's school days any time I saw Nancy I was always greeted with her beautiful smile and a warm heart. My sympathy to all of Nancy's loved ones. May she rest in peace. Jeannie (Garcia) Cordero
Lisa Henry
December 4, 2012
Nancy's friendship was one of my life's greatest blessings and my life has been so enriched by all the fun times we shared.
My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Suzi Howard
December 4, 2012
My deepest condolences to Nancy's family and friends. She was truly a bright light in so many lives. She was much like George Bailey in the movie It's a Wonderful Life - how one person's life can touch so many others. And that's exactly what Nancy did with her intelligence, wit, kindness, and pretty brown eyes.
Bless you, Nancy.
Frank Morris
December 4, 2012
Its hard for me to believe someone so wonderful , kind and loving as Nancy has left us , than I think of the joy she brought to everyone and myself , her beautiful smile and that hug that I always said to her was the worlds greatest hug and than I feel so lucky and blessed that I had so many wonderful times with her that will always keep me smiling when her memories come . Rest with God my dear friend
Chris Mack
December 4, 2012
We have all been so fortunate to have had Nancy in our lives. She is the sort of person ones Mother would say "now THAT'S the kind of person I want you to grow up to be". Not a flaw, just an extraordinary, loving, loveable example of how we should live our lives.
Jim Strandberg
December 4, 2012
To Nancy's Mom, Siblings, and other family members,
Vicki Knight called me this evening with the very sad news of Nancy's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Nancy at Brooks/Cole in the late 1990s, and we became friends over time. Nancy had a great wit, a wonderful laugh, a terrific heart, and a lightness about life that made spending time with her a joy.
While the loss is hard to bear, I hope great memories of your times together will eventually help ease the pain of her passing. Her spirit endures!
With deep sympathy, Jim Strandberg
Pamela Troia
December 3, 2012
John and I so enjoyed getting to know Nancy on the cruise. She looked fabulous in her "cruise attire"....always perfect and so so happy. We are very sorry for your loss and understand what a sad time this is for your family.
Rest in peace with God. Your smile and tender heart remain with those you touched.
Kelly Bridgeforth
December 3, 2012
Nancy was a wonderful person loved and deeply cherished by all her family and friends. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Kay Polsemen (Hancharick)
December 3, 2012
Nancy was such a bright light! She will be so very missed and I'll never forget her smile and her sage words of advice all those years ago discussing life over lattes. Love you Nanc,
Teresa Costen
December 2, 2012
How blessed we were to have known such an individual with such kindness, strength and respect for herself, as well as for so many others. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
FROM THE FAMILY
IN THE CARE OF