Nancy Read Zavitz

Nancy Read Zavitz was born in Jersey City. She and her sister, Ruth, grew up in Westfield, New Jersey. Their father, Chester Read, was a chemist, and their mother, Jessie Read, was an obstetrician and gynecologist. When Nancy was 10 years old, her mother, Dr. Jessie Read, enlisted in the Army as a surgeon during World War II.
Nancy attended Bucknell University, graduating in 1954 with a Bachelors in Elementary Education. At Bucknell, she met a student in chemical engineering, Wally Zavitz. They were married in 1955. They were married for 67 years, until Wally's passing in 2023. Nancy and Wally raised three children - Patricia McNurlin (Don), William Zavitz (Paula) and Kathryn Zavitz (Peter). Wally's career took the family to New Jersey, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Colorado, where they lived for 42 years. They moved to Portland, Oregon in 2014 to be near their daughter, Kathy, and her family.
Nancy was a lifelong reader and learner. She always had a book at her side. She shared her love for reading with her grandkids, taking them to Powell's or the Tattered Cover. She and Wally loved to travel, and they often chose destinations where Nancy could pursue another of her many passions - bird watching. Throughout her life, she was an active member in the Presbyterian Church. She was a staunch Democrat and active in League of Women Voters. She was "Green" before it was fashionable. She was the administrator for the Denver Chapter of Common Cause. In 1996, the mayor of Denver declared Nancy Zavitz Day to recognize her work at Common Cause.
Nancy was all about family. Nancy and Wally wanted to know their grandkids well, so they took them on trips, attended school sporting events, concerts, and plays, and made each one feel special. Nancy is survived by her three children, six special grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and her sister Ruth Russell.