Nancy Boyland Collins

Your daughter has shone me a view of her mother.
The values were spread down through her daughter.

We will keep the family in our prayer...
Love to you Brook!
Shalom

Over twenty years ago, it was my good fortunate to meet Nancy at a writers´ workshop in New Mexico. When I moved to the mountains of North Carolina, Nancy and I soon became the best of friends. She came to visit most every month, even lived nearby for a while in a small lake cabin. We spent countless hours in rocking chairs on the front porch, crafting and sharing our stories, learning and laughing. Those moments were some of the most precious times of my life.

Nancy could be anything. Writer, poet, lawyer, rights activist, professor, gourmet cook, dancer, hat maker, pioneer. She inspired all with her way of being in the world. Never shying away from living a very human experience, she never spent any time pitying what life dealt her either. When she spoke, people wanted to lean in and listen.

Tiny in stature yet giant in presence and strength, Nancy was the kind of friend who would swing a snake over her head and toss it away from you if it dared enter your yard-and that is a true story.

Beyond beautiful, beyond brilliant, beyond talented, beyond caring and compassionate, she was and is simply beyond words.

My heart goes out to everyone she loved, her wife, children, grandchildren, friends, and family, including mine, because we all loved her so deeply. She was a gift to this world and me, one of my dearest friends, my writing partner, my laugh buddy, an inspiration. No one can ever replace a Nancy in your heart or on your front porch.

When Nancy passed, I like to think she was greeted by a big, black, hairy dog of mine that she adored, and they were soon dancing through the mountains and laughing.

You will always and forever be in my heart, my cherished friend. Until we meet again...

Brooke,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family .

The Staff at Washington Park.

Brooke,
My condolences to you, your family and all who were impacted by the great work of your mother.

I'm truly sorry for your loss Brooke. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Prayers go out to you and the family!

My Sincerest Condolences to you and your family. My heart goes out to you Brooke, I remember all the times you flying to Seattle sharing beautiful and trying moments with your mom, I know how much you love and cared for her from a far. Reading her obituary, just leaves me in awe. Your mother was definitely a pioneer for women and social justice and has left an amazing mark in this world and to many people I am sure. I see where you get it from. Be we well and know she is in a much better place. Sincerely, Y.Skinner

We love you, Nancy! Thank you, Brooke for sharing your beautiful mother with us for those few amazing years in DC. She expanded my world and worldview, and with such kindness.

To the expansive family of good people who Nancy has inspired, especially her close family-we have a lot to live up to the legacy of Nancy Boyland Collins. Reading her amazing obituary, I am again awe-struck by Nancy who inspired me as a young woman and who continued to be such a sophisticated, justice-minded, and bright presence to those she loved. I will never forget her and Diana´s kindness to let me live with them when I needed refuge. I think about Nancy all of the time and will continue to do so because who she was as a person made you feel seen and loved. I don´t know how to repay my gratitude to her but by trying to be better as a person based on her example. There is no one like Nancy in any universe. I feel so fortunate to have known her. Thank you, Brooke and Brady for sharing your mom with us! From my family, all of our love to yours. Our deepest condolences. Jennifer, Mike, Juliana, and Ruby

It brought me great pleasure to call this small dainty, but tenacious, joyful woman, Mom!! She was shared with me by her beautiful daughter, Brooke.. my sister, my friend!! I will miss her fabulous dinner parties and her infectious smile.. Thank you for allowing me to become one of your bonus daughters.. the honor was truly all mine!! Miss and Love you forever, rest easy with the angels, I know they are taking notes..Troy