Obituaries

After a two-decade battle with breast and lung cancer, the irreplaceable, beloved, and oh-so-loving Nancy Jeanne Anderson (nee Gordon) passed away peacefully December 27th, 2021 in Whidbey Island, Washington. It’s hard to put into words her soul, her spirit, and her influence – suffice it to say, Nan was one of the brightest lights to ever shine in this world of ours.

Born July 21, 1947 in Seattle, Washington to Willis (Willie) Gordon and Eleanor (Ann) Maloney, Nan was the second of six children – her elder sister ‘Peggy’ (Margaret), younger sisters ‘Teddy’ (Terry) and ‘Kathy’ (Kathleen), her late brother ‘Jimmy’ (James) and her younger brother, Kelly, all looked up to Nan. She loved her siblings very much (although, when they were teens, she and her sisters would often battle over who’s clothes were whose). She was a leader from the get-go and part of a family that valued love, generosity, and loyalty over all. After attending Saint Marks Grade School, Cordell Hull Junior High, and Shoreline High School in the greater-Seattle area, Nan married Steve Anderson in November 1965. Together, Steve and Nan raised six children (Stacy, ‘Sissy’ (Stephanie), ‘Beaver’ (Steve Jr.), Jamie, Eric, and Jesse) and so began the establishment of the “Anderson Clan.” Nancy loved her three boys and three girls, thirteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, along with her many nieces and nephews, “more than beans and rice” (as she’d often say). With the passing of her three sisters and mother, Nancy took on the mantle of Matriarch with ease, grace, and love.

To Nanny-Goat, family and friends were everything. Over the course of her life, she built and nourished an incredible community, teaching her children the importance and joy of both your ‘born-into’ and your ‘chosen’ family. Nan was an active and dedicated friend. She was always in touch with folks and created opportunities for shared meals, travel adventures, tennis matches, shopping the Nordstrom sale, life-talks, and all the rest. 

Nancy had an unwavering work-ethic, a knack for connecting with people, and a way of both getting things done and having fun (she knew when to laugh and how to make others laugh). During her career, she worked at Fircrest School–a facility for the developmentally disabled–where she connected dearly with both the residents and other staff. Over many years working for Group Health, and later Kaiser Permanente, she became a highly-valued employee who wore many hats and made many friends of colleagues. Once named Employee of the Quarter in Spokane, Washington, here’s what was written about her: 

As I read about the “employee of the quarter,” one wonderful person sprang to my mind. If you know her, you know what I’m talking about–she’s the most positive and upbeat person I know. When I have the privilege of working with her, I get a shot of optimism that lasts me a long while. It isn’t just her coworkers, she also empowers the patients and members. I most remember this when we needed to cancel and reschedule some appointments. She was so sunny on the phone that there was no way members could get upset about rescheduling. She has probably the most difficult position in the south region. Nan may work as many as four departments in one day. Recently one department needed daytime coverage and another one needed evening coverage – she came to the rescue and worked both shifts. She developed a notebook with information about all the departments and she shared it willingly with her coworkers. She radiates warmth and willingness to get things done. If you have an extra task or need help with a project, look her up. Somehow she always manages to do the project. She doesn’t just direct patients, she takes them where they need to go. Nancy has a great gift to give to our patients her whole self and what she represents. How do you ever thank an employee like this?”

Nancy was so much to so many. Below is an attempt (just the tip of iceberg) to list some of her many roles, many gifts, and some of the things she loved most: 

• An eternal optimist – Nancy was the sunshine in dark times. One of her common phrases was “it’s all good.” A mole-hill was never a mountain with Nan. She managed to navigate the bumps and barriers in life with an eye towards what was good. Her optimism was infectious. She knew exactly when to crack a joke, give a hug, or say a supportive, “this will be okay.”
• A devoted friend – Nancy was everyone’s best friend. Loyal, loving, and accepting of all people, she dedicated much of her life to building wonderful friendships with all those she met. She loved to catch up over visits, lunches, family gatherings, and even more so through conversations on the phone—she would eagerly answer calls with “Howdy!” Nancy was there for her friends whenever needed. Whether you were a few minutes or multiple states away, she always made the effort to stay in contact. 
• A tennis player without a backhand – Nancy loved the game and in her classic way, she made the absolute best out of what she had. No backhand? No problem. She just switched the racket from left to right, so she could always use her forehand!
• An incredible cook and a lover of sharing meals – Nancy always had a “crowded table;” a table full of people passing the butter, telling stories, and cracking jokes, all while giggling kids were running around playing in the living room. Meals at Nan’s were always the best–because of how alive and connected her home was and also because she knew how to make a killer meal. Family staples like ‘beans and rice’ and Chicken DeVan were always yummiest at Nan’s. Her chocolate chip pancakes were ridiculously good. 
• A selfless soul who always looked out for others and truly lived the ‘Golden Rule’ – Nancy lived her life looking out for her neighbor. There was always room at her table and a warm spot at her house. Even when she herself was struggling, she found a way to care for those around her. Not long before she died, she was in great discomfort. She held her brother Kelly’s hand next to her bed, looked him in the eye, and said, “I know this is very hard for you.” Even while enduring great suffering, she managed to take care of everyone else.
• An AWESOME Nana – Nancy was the best grandma anyone could ever ask for. She got so much joy from watching and supporting her grand-kiddos. With great care and intention, she deeply knew and understood each of them as individuals – their strengths and goals, their areas for growth, their spirits, their character. She never missed a milestone – big or small. She was the ultimate fan cheering on her kiddos while they kicked the ball around on the soccer field or were tackling everything else on the field of life. Just a few days before she passed, she got to meet her youngest great-grandchild, Bodhi – the sweetest ‘hello, nice to meet you’ ensued.
• A life-partner – Steve and Nancy’s 50th wedding anniversary was a joyous event – in the end the two were each other’s partners in crime, through thick and thin, for a whopping 56 years. The two of them navigated an adventurous, love-filled life that was not without a great deal of challenge and loss. Nancy loved Steve so very much and knew how to ‘flip to him crap’ in just the right way to make him chuckle and kiss her on the cheek.

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In the end, 

Words fall short. 

Nancy lived a big, beautiful, imperfect, love-filled and whole life – she really set the bar for how to love, how to laugh, and how to move through the things that are difficult. 

It’s hard to fathom this world without her and those whose lives she touched are left with both grief and profound gratitude. As the cartoon character “Ziggy” once pondered, “How come our saddest sadness comes from what was our most joyous joy?”

Nanny, as always and forever, we “love you more than beans and rice.” 

The family hopes you can join us for her Memorial and Celebration of Life.

Saturday, July 23, 2022, 1-5pm at 

Freeland Hall (Whidbey Island), 1515 Shoreview Drive, Freeland, WA 98249