Nancy Lou Losee

Nancy Lou Losee, wife of retired Marine Colonel Ronald M. Losee, passed away in Williamsburg, Virginia on March 31, 2021. She was 87 years old. Mrs. Losee was born in 1933 in Oak Park, Illinois. She graduated from Oak Park High School and attended the University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University until she married her loving husband in 1954. A devoted wife and mother, she dedicated her life to her family and her enthusiasm and generosity were unwavering characteristics. As a young mother, she became active in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, local PTA groups, and numerous similar organizations. She concurrently involved herself with community, church and military activities wherever the Marines sent the family. For years she volunteered with Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society, helping young servicemen in need. She was a leader of a POW-MIA recovery organization at Quantico, Virginia and was named Quantico Marine Base Wife of the Year in 1972. She maintained membership in many Officer Wives Clubs, serving as President or on the board of directors at several Marine installations. Mrs. Losee was active in church choirs, developed a reputation as an exceptional cook and hostess, and in later years mastered the art of quilting, becoming a certified instructor, member of Who's Who in Quilting, founder of several quilt guilds and membership groups and collector of Civil War era quilts. Many of the exquisite quilts she made were selected for competition in California, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Virginia local and international shows, some winning major awards. She frequently spoke to groups about the history of quilting and identification of antique quilts, and her quilts were featured in several national magazines. Never too busy to help a friend, she frequently visited those who were in ill health, delivering meals and compassion, offering any assistance she could provide. She was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Virginia Consortium of Quilters, American Quilt Study Group and local guilds. Her volunteer duties for over 15 years at Colonial Williamsburg included preservation of historic fabrics, garments and quilts. She was a member of the Jamestown Presbyterian Church. In addition to her husband of nearly 68 years, she leaves to mourn her death two daughters, Diana Johnston of Jacksonville, Florida, and Jo Ann Marchant, with her husband, Mike of Scottsdale, Arizona, and a son Charles "Mike" Losee of Jacksonville, Florida and his wife Lisa. She also leaves five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Plans are underway for a private family funeral service.