Nancy was my mother-in-law and I loved her. When you ask most people about their mothers-in-law, many times what they tell you is not positive. Nancy was the exception. She was an amazing mother-in-law. She welcomed me into her family and was always there when I needed her. She truly became a second mom. She even took MY side when Rick and I would have a disagreement. I know I am fortunate to have had such a wonderful relationship with her. For those of us that are in-laws in this amazing and tight-knit family, Nancy welcomed each and every one of us into the family and we all hold a special place in our hearts for her in doing so.
Albert Einstein said, “Only a life lived for others is worth living. “ Nancy was one of the most caring people I know. No wonder her profession led her to care for others. She was caring, but she wasn’t afraid to be honest with you. You could always count on getting the truth from her and she would tell you in a way that made you feel good, even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. She worked very hard, all her life, to ensure her family was provided for.
My first experience with Nancy wasn’t when I started dating Rick, it wasn’t even involving Rick, it involved Charles. We were about 12 or 13 and a friend was having a birthday party. Charles was invited. Nancy called my friend’s parents to make sure there was going to be parental supervision at the party. Her love for her children was obvious and she did everything she could to help them succeed and support them in following their dreams. She made sure her children, and grandchildren were safe.
When I was pregnant with the triplets, Nancy would check on me and make sure I was following doctor’s orders. We called her first when we had questions. She would call me and tell me the dates she was going to be travelling for work and insist that I could not have the babies on those days. It was something I had no control of, but I for sure didn’t dare deliver when she wasn’t there! The day they were born she went ahead to the hospital to make sure they knew we were coming, she rejoiced with us when 3 healthy, beautiful girls were delivered and rolled out in one bassinet to meet the family. Family always came first for Nancy and what a family we have!
Nancy went from zero to six grandchildren in less than 3 years. She took her role as grandma to heart and she constantly worried about giving everyone equal time, despite our assurances that she was. My mom and she would always joke about who the “good grandma” was- pointing a finger at each other saying “you’re the good grandma”. No matter how tired she was, how much laundry she had to do or how far she had to drive, she would make sure she visited all of the grandchildren when she was home, bringing them special treats and toys, hugs and kisses and collecting treasures from them in return. We called her when the kids were sick before calling a doctor and in less than 30 minutes she would be over diagnosing an illness or looking at a suspicious spot. We looked to her for guidance and she took care of us, all of us.
Nancy loved the simple things in life; she loved coffee, a good book, and Bocelli. She loved playing slot machines and weekend trips to Harrahs with family and friends. She loved Grace and her co-workers. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She loved making people feel special. Helen Keller said, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." Nancy was a beautiful person and we all feel her presence in our hearts and are better people because we have known her.
It isn’t easy saying good-bye to such a huge presence in your life. We gain strength from our family and friends that have been with us over this past week. Rick, Megan, Charles and I appreciate the love and support you have all given our family. We love hearing your stories about how mom touched your lives as well. We want to thank Grace, Sandy, Vic and everyone from the Astoria, Gem, and Crown Bay facilities for the support they have given us and the love and friendship they shared with Nancy.
I was blessed to have had the best mother-in-law a wife could have. Rick, Charles, and Megan were blessed with a dedicated and loving mother. My children were blessed with an amazing grandmother. And our family was blessed with a beautiful sister, aunt, and cousin. She will be missed, but she is at peace. Her work is done and now it is our turn to take care of each other, the way Nancy would have wanted. Thank you.
