Two Celebrations of Nancy's Life!

Here is the announcement we are publishing in the Anacortes American, South Whidbey Record, and the Seattle Times.

Beloved daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt, friend. Nancy was beloved by her family, friends, coworkers, and especially by her prayer group. She departed for her next great adventure Thursday morning, November 6th with her mother and sister by her side.

She was born in Seattle, Washington - the first child of Ernest and Vernita (Markham) Osterhout on Halloween, 1946. She is survived by her mother, Nita, her sister Gayle Childs (Larry) of Langley, three nephews, one niece, 12 grand-nieces & nephews, a large extended family & countless friends. She was preceded in death by her father & her younger sister Janene. She grew up spending summers at Osterhout’s Fernwood, in the Baby Island Heights neighborhood, and she lived at the family cabin for a couple of years during the 60’s.

Nancy brought light and love to everyone she met. She had a varied career and loved her last job at the NW ESD, for the Autism Outreach Program. Another favorite job was working for the Big Three at Snoqualmie Pass in the 70s. She was an avid skier and ski instructor. She considered the work she did with her prayer group as her true vocation.

Nancy believed that her breast cancer was an assignment from God, so she would battle as long as she could to show other women how to do it with faith, hope, love and grace. We have all been blessed by her presence in our lives.

The family is grateful to Dr. Kim and the staff of the Cancer Center in Anacortes, and Skagit Valley Hospice for Nancy’s outstanding care. A celebration of her life is planned for Saturday, November 15 at the NW Educational Service District, 1601 R Avenue, Anacortes, from 1-3 pm.
A second celebration is planned for Saturday, November 29th at the Vantage Glen Clubhouse, 18100 107th Place SE, Renton from 1-3 pm. In lieu of flowers, she requested that memorial donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 2009 Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk, (follow links to the 3 Day on this page) or to the Island Hospital Foundation, 715 Seafarer's Way, Suite 101, PO Box 1143, Anacortes, WA 98221

Peace At Last - Beginning Her New Adventure!

Nancy Lyn Osterhout

October 31, 1946-November 6, 2008

Free at last and off on a great new adventure! My beloved sister died yesterday morning at 1:48 a.m. She slipped peacefully away from her earthly body while my mother and I surrounded her with our love. She really wanted to die at home and that wish was fulfilled.

It was so inspiring for Mom and I and our children to observe just how very much Nancy is loved by her prayer group and her friends from work as they came by to visit her during the last couple days of her life.

The picture above was taken at Nancy's shop in Issaquah, about 12 years ago. It really captures her beauty, both inner and outer.

Nancy's favorite holiday was Christmas and this year she will be with so many of our dear ones who proceeded her to heaven, our Dad and younger sister in particular! Mom and I are rejoicing that Nancy doesn't need to suffer any more. We are being spoiled here at our house by my beloved husband and the cards and phone calls are already streaming in.

I will be putting the link to Mike's 2009 Breast Cancer 3 Day page here as we have decided the best place for memorials will be to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Please continue to pray for those of us left behind. I will be posting particulars on a Celebration of Her Life as soon as details are known.

Amazing Grace

Today is Monday, November 3rd. Nancy was transported to Island Hospital yesterday. As the liver failure progresses, the confusion caused by encephalopathy worsened, and well as her motor skills. She tried to get up and fell down. Mom was here alone with her and had to call 911 twice to help her get back into bed.

She is in the ICU and resting comfortably. I will meet with a social worker from Hospice today, as they would like her out of the hospital, and I know it is Nancy's desire to die at home. We just don't know if it is possible to give her the round the clock care here at her house.

She was able to come out of her bedroom with the help of the walker and visit briefly with Larry, Lorianne and her two little ones Allyson and Garrett on her Birthday Friday. I had worn the pink wig from our costumes and she asked to wear it. She had on a robe that had that color in it and the effect was great. She laughed and said some funny things. Her good friends Carol and Nancy were here from her work group. She has received more than 75 cards for her birthday. She did get some sleep Friday night. She was sleeping when members of her prayer group came by to celebrate the birthday.

I ask your continued prayers for comfort and peace as the transition continues. Prayers for our whole family too, as we prepare to cope with not having her here with us.

The picture above Nancy took at the Cancer Center during her chemo treatments earlier this year. It is on the wall in the infusion room - a beautiful handmade quilt full of love.