Nancy Schumacher Dennis

Nancy and I spent the summer of 1963 in the Middle East when my father led a group of students on an archeological seminar. I was 14 and Nancy had graduated from Smith, but we bonded and maintained our friendship when she attended Princeton Theological Seminary the next year. I´m sorry to hear that Nancy died, but I know she´s up there laughing at some absurdity, cheering people up and just being the cool spirit she always was.

Nancy - a strong, intelligent, gracious woman, whom I met in Assistance League of Corvallis in 1984. While she was a wonderful mentor, and confident in decisions and the rationale behind them, she was at her best when you could laugh with her. We traveled to a conference in Phoenix in the late 1980's and her luggage was lost, seemingly forever; her matter-of-fact handling of the situation was amazing to watch! Her persuasive powers and command of philosophy and psychology were witnessed...

It's been a long time but I still remember Nancy's fabulous smile and gracious approach to volunteerism. My visits to the Aviary were supposed to be in support of her mission but mostly she taught me! She stepped up to a leadership role during tough political times and with challenging personalities but stood firm on her best judgement. An amazing life, my condolences to the family. God's blessings to you on this Easter Day. He is Risen. ---- Joan Henick, one-time Aquarium staffer.