Search by Name

Search by Name

NANCY BLAIR Obituary


Nancy Blair
June 27, 1943 - August 12, 2012
NANCY LYNN BLAIR, originally from Texas and a long-time San Francisco resident (Go Giants!), died suddenly on August 12, from acute adult leukemia on a picture-postcard perfect day. At her bedside at home were her brother Bill Blair and sister Susan Blair Dial. It was sudden and much, much too soon for her family and friends, but not for her. She left us the way she lived - quickly, gently, and in glorious control.
Nancy was born on June 27, 1943, in Wharton, Texas, the oldest of the three children of Ruth and Charles Blair. She is survived by Bill and Susan and Susan's daughters Risa and Sara, and husband Roc. The Blair family moved from Texas to Connecticut when Nancy was 13. She spent her first year of college at Mills College and transferred to Barnard College in New York, where she graduated in Psychology.
She cut her business teeth in New York City with a management consulting firm, and then worked briefly in the State Department in Washington, DC, before moving to the Bay Area in the mid 70's. After receiving her MBA from UC Berkeley, Nancy worked until retirement for Wells Fargo, where she attained the position of Vice President of Special Properties - a quiet title that masks the tenacity and skills necessary for the job.
She enjoyed tee martoonis, crossword puzzles, chewing on politics, Rita her red Porsche, dare devil escapades, and walking, walking, walking up and down her beloved San Francisco in sensible shoes with strappy stilettos under her arm.
Today we honor Nancy's zippy spirit, her broad thirst for knowledge, savvy intelligence, insights, fine sense of taste, and fierce independence. We especially appreciate the way she deeply valued her friends and the consideration she showed for them, as friends were Family. We will greatly miss the fun and enjoyment of just being with her. She was, after all, a party girl.
Nancy supported in deeds and dollars the Insight Prison Project - a deeply effective and moving restorative justice program at San Quentin, SF Playhouse, Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation, Meals on Wheels SF, the Salvation Army, The Bay Institute, and personal mentoring of those needing help and knowhow.
Nancy requested that there be no formal service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 15 to Aug. 19, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for NANCY BLAIR

Not sure what to say?





PK

August 12, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always

Jim Higgins

August 9, 2024

My all time favorite sassy yet very classy colleague and friend. Can´t miss her, as she is always with me in memory and soul.

Jim Higgins

August 9, 2020

During these crazy Covid19 times, I can only imagine and would welcome some priceless comments from Nancy. A beloved co-worker with a sharp and witty tongue, could use some of her biting wit right now. Rest In Peace Nancy, you are gone but not forgotten. Say hi to my folks and give my best buddy Trevor a scratch behind the ears when you get a chance...

September 7, 2012

My deepest condolences to the Blair Family for the loss of Nancy. May you find comfort in the words found at James 4:8.

Sandi Blair

August 23, 2012

We met in exercise class and found we had the same last name and interest in SF Playhouse and theater generally. We both retired and our friendship blossomed into good food, great conversation and theater. My last image of her is looking very stylish as usual as she sat at a marble-topped bar drinking two martinis serially. We shared bar food, then went on to the theater where she ate two cookies! When she told me that she declined treatment and had little time to live, I sent her this reflection of my last image of her. I miss her.

William Gardner

August 22, 2012

Nancy was a very special lady. She charmed us with her Texas accent when we first met her. We had dinner once in San Fancisco. I will miss her greatly.

Pamela Ness

August 21, 2012

Nancy had a special light and smile that brightened everyone's day. Her spirit and friendship will inspire us forever. It was a privilege to be a friend of such a wonderful lady.

Jim Higgins

August 21, 2012

I had the pleasure to work with Nancy when I first more to SF. Loved her from the moment we met. I also over the years enjoyed the occasional running it her as she vertured around the city. I just ran into her about a month ago, how luck am I. Nancy I will miss you, but will forever remember you.

Mauri Shuler

August 19, 2012

A perfect description of the woman I admired and enjoyed so deeply.

Nila Camino

August 18, 2012

What a beautiful description of Nancy! I can feel her through the words. Our short friendship was suddenly interrupted but your spirit lives large. Will miss you!

Ron Armstrong

August 16, 2012

Memories abound. Nancy scuba diving at night while we were at Club Med in Bora Bora ( or was it Tahiti?). Helping her pick out a motorcycle and teaching her how to ride it down at Crissy Field. Sitting on her deck and watching the fire in the Marina after the 1989 earthquake. Me finally realizing that an award winning writer/producer at an advertising agency who only owned one suit, 10 years old at that, wasn't going to cut it with this wonderful lady. (Make that Lady)

The memories will continue. I received the news Tuesday from Olga, my house-keeper of 20+ years who was sent to me by Nancy. Olga and I stood in my kitchen and wept as she told me the story of seeing Nancy just last week and hearing the prognosis of "three months to live".

Vaya con Dios, Nancy. Y muchas gracias. Sorry you never got to move to Costa Rica.

Ann Maier

August 16, 2012

What a special person. So glad I was able to know Nancy; unfortunately for too short of time. This notice and photo captures her perfectly.

Jane Beatty

August 16, 2012

Nancy, I'm so saddened by the news of your passing. Although we've been out of touch for a while, I want you to know that I will always cherish the memories of our time together. You were a breath of fresh air in a corporate world that often felt cold and stern. You reached out to me with kindness, compassion, laughter and loads of fun. You welcomed me into your home and introduced me to some of your cool and interesting friends. We spoke Spanish together, we cooked together, we partied together.....you even let me drive your car! I will always regret that we didn't stay in touch after I moved away. Thank you for your sweet friendship.....I will never forget you. I send all my love to you and your family.

Nan & Art Hahn

August 16, 2012

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, She became a butterfly." Dear Nancy, you were a beautiful friend, and now you are the loveliest of butterflies. Fly free and soar, dear friend!

Nancy and Carolynn are Nancy B's biggest fans.

August 16, 2012

Radha Stern

August 15, 2012

Nancy is my dear friend and I will miss her physical self. She did "do it her way." Nancy, you rock!
Love, Radha & Gary

Jennie Curtis

August 15, 2012

Nancy touched my life in an exquisite manner that will last my lifetime
I miss her sweet and generous spirit
She left a void in my heart and in our community

I send light and love to her family and her many dear friends and colleagues

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Make a Donation
in NANCY BLAIR's name

Memorial Events
for NANCY BLAIR

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support NANCY's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor NANCY BLAIR's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more