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Nancy O'Brien Obituary
Nancy Marie O'Brien passed away at her home in Bosch Bahai School in the mountains above Santa Cruz on April 11th 2008. She is celebrated by her husband Steve Rocha and her three daughters: Breeze Holman of Portland, OR; Amelia Valleton of Bend, OR; and Clare Rocha of New York, NY; along with sisters Mary Kay Noteman of East Lansing, MI and Sister Judith O'Brien of Kinde, MI.
Born in Detroit, Michigan on July 14, 1951 to John and Corinne O'Brien, Nancy was the youngest of three girls and showed an early affinity for the arts. She attended Marion High School and graduated with the class of 1969 amidst the rising social conflicts within the Civil Rights movement and the anti-war protests, Nancy became increasingly aware of the injustices of the world and became a dedicated activist. She went on to find a community of like-minded, progressive individuals within the Bahai Faith.
Nancy found her soulmate in Steve Rocha of Davenport, Iowa when they spent a summer volunteering at a camp for disabled children, Camp Happy Hollow in Dryden, Michigan.
Together they went on to dedicate their lives to the founding principles of the Bahai Faith, starting out their lives together in Denver, Colorado and eventually moving west towards the bountiful valley of Palisade, Colorado.
Nancy went on to earn her teaching degree from Michigan State University and her Masters from Adams State College and continued on to serve 20 years within the school district of Mesa County wherein she received numerous accolades for her utmost dedication. She was an advocate for her students, a friend to her colleagues and a well of never-ending optimism at the Mt. Garfield Middle School in Clifton, Colorado where she taught alongside her husband Steve.
Nancy lived a life of both service and pleasure. She believed that peace began at home and raised her three girls in a "green" household in which free-thought and creativity were of the highest merit her love of learning was passed along to all.
Upon retiring from the school district Nancy and her husband Steve left the high desert of Colorado and moved to Santa Cruz, California in 2004 to serve at the Bosch Bahai School and live amongst the beautiful Redwoods. Nancy loved to be of service! She took great pleasure in cooking and baking for others, hosting feasts and gatherings and always the eternal teacher she became very well versed in teaching others how to knit. Nancy loved without moderation, taught without judgment and gave without limit.
Graveside service will be held Friday April the 18th @ 2:00pm at Santa Cruz Memorial Park at 1927 Ocean Street. A memorial service will be hosted at Bosch Bahai School at 7 pm, 500 Comstock Lane.
Any contributions can be sent to:
"Nancy O'Brien KidReach Memorial Fund" Friends of the Library P.O. Box 8472 Santa Cruz, CA; I.R.S. info: 94-26-2557
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nancy O'Brien
Taraz Martinez "Tessie"
June 12, 2024
I was listening to the Tablet of Ahmad tonight Nancy. You came into my thoughts. I remember you as a beautiful young mother whose face showed such love and kindness. May you continue to shine your light in the worlds of God.
Christine Range Roman
April 28, 2008
I send my deepest sympathies to Nancy's family & friends in this time of loss. Nancy & I were great friends in high school and room mates at MSU. We shared many interests & many friends. To this day I am influenced by Nancy's contributions to my life. I will continue to make her peanut brittle recipe with my usual fond memories but now also with a lump in my throat. You will be in my thoughts.
Carol & Peter Forte'
April 22, 2008
Dear Steve, Breeze, Amelia & Clare,
Please accept our deepest condolences. Nancy will be missed by all who knew her.
She was a true teacher: she could inspire us to stretch a little and try something new. Without her gentle nudging, I would have never learned to sew. Now I am so thankful for the joy and laughter those Halloween costumes brought to our family.
And her cooking: Sarah recently admitted to me that while growing up, she would find out what was cooking in Nancy's kitchen before she made her evening plans. She ate at Nancy's table often. One more guest was always welcome there...
Nancy gave a lot and loved a lot. We will hold on to those memories of a life well led and hope they bring you comfort in these difficult times.
With love and sympathy,
Janet Kilby (Cameron)
April 22, 2008
Dear Steve, Breeze, Amelia and Claire, When our families were young, Nancy was my role model of patient, fun, loving parenting. Throughout those "growing up" years she was a fountain of giving: flowers, treats from her kitchen, little tidbits of life wisdom. I will honor her memory always. May you experience peace in your adjustment to her passing and find the best of her within yourself as time goes by.
Janet Kilby Cameron
Olivia Anson-Buckley
April 21, 2008
Steve, Breeze, Amelia and Claire,
I have the fondest memories of your family and I am sorry for your loss.
Nancy was a kind and loving person; a fabulous cook (I loved snacks at your house) and had a sweet sense of humor.
We are sending you good thoughts lots of love.
Kathleen Reddy-Butkovich
April 21, 2008
To Nancy's family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Nancy was a friend and an inspiration. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jacqueline Siemion
April 21, 2008
I went to Marian High School with Nancy. She was full of fun. She will be missed.
With sympathy from Jacqueline Morin Siemion
Joan and Bob Weiss
April 21, 2008
Our heart goes out to all of you guys. Nancy always brightened the day at "the drop" when she arrived, as well as all the other times we shared.
Rafael Collazo
April 20, 2008
Steve and girls:
We regarded all of you as family,so the passing of Nancy was like losing a particularly dear sister.
Feel particularly bad not being able to get together last time you guys were here on account of having to give a deepening that evening at Mary Monique's. Was hoping to catch you next visit.
With the utmost sympathy and condolences to you all from all of us...
Rafael,Marta and family
Robin Richardson
April 20, 2008
Steve and Nancy and Girls,
Hope you know how much you are loved by our family. We are all one family and it was you and Nancy who helped Kathy and I first become aware of that notion of unity.
We love you all,
Robin, Kathy, and Girls
Sharon & Randy Campbell
April 20, 2008
Steve, our heartfelt condolences to you and the girls. It's been many years since we've had the joy of being with Nancy, in those early family days in Palisade. We will always carry fond memories of her love and concern for everyone. She left her radiant mark on everyone she ever knew.
Pat Himes
April 18, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Nancy was a great friend and incredible role model for me when I was embarking on the journey of mothering. Even though it has been many years since we have seen your family, you and she remain deeply embedded in our hearts.
Chela Lucas
April 18, 2008
Dear Steve,
Our prayers are with you and your family. I'm so glad Pat and I were able to join you at Nancy's burial: the sun shining, near the river, the trees, the song of the birds.
I will think of her on just such a path as she goes on joyfully toward God.
God bless you and your daughters,
Chela & Pat
Sue Savant Hawking
April 18, 2008
Dear Steve and girls,
Please accpet my deepest condolences. Nancy was a true free spirit and a great friend.
Ben and Sue Heffer
April 18, 2008
Our deepest condolances to you, and the girls, Steve.
Nancy will be remembered as the essence of a loving, giving soul.
We remember fondly the warmth of your home, wonderful food and hospitality, Nancy's passion for children and cheesecake (it was she who shared her 'Lindy's Cheesecake recipe with me-for which I have become moderately famous!), and her contagious energy.
It was a privilege and delight to know her, and she will be missed, even by those who haven't seen you recently.
We'll be thinking of you in the difficult time ahead.
Love,
Sue & Ben Heffer
Yvonne Gorak Centala
April 18, 2008
Your life is an example to us all.
Those of us who taught you can learn from you.
Yvonne
Al & Carolyn Barnes
April 18, 2008
We are thankful for all of the happiness and blessings that Nancy brought to the world. Steve and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Farrah & George Penner
April 17, 2008
You and your family are added to our daily prayers.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Kam Zardouzian
April 17, 2008
You are loved. You will be missed.
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