Nancy Lee Spitznass
Nancy Lee Spitznass
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Nancy Spitznass Obituary
Nancy was born on Jan. 8, 1940, in Myrtle Point, Ore., to Helen and Norman Frye. After a happy early childhood in Coquille, Ore., Nancy moved to Tigard, Ore., where she graduated from Tigard High School. Following studies at Portland State University, Nancy became a flight attendant for Hughes Airwest. It was in Seattle that she reconnected with-and married-her childhood crush, Richard Spitznass.
The couple welcomed three children in Tacoma, Wash., before settling in Gig Harbor, Wash. Nancy flourished in this chapter, keeping a beautiful home on the Puget Sound, where she and Richard loved to entertain friends. It was common to see Nancy behind the wheel of her prized Country Squire station wagon, ferrying kids to piano and tennis lessons. As a member of the Tacoma Junior League, Nancy was proud to volunteer at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Sundays often found her directing the choir at Gig Harbor's St. John's Episcopal Church.
As empty nesters, Nancy and Richard embraced a new chapter-and made cherished friends-in Atlanta, Ga. Following Richard's retirement from Georgia-Pacific, the couple moved to Vancouver, Wash., where they built their dream home on the Columbia River. Winters were spent at their home at the Palm Desert Tennis Club, where Nancy ("Nama") loved hosting her grandchildren. During this time, Nancy and Richard enjoyed trips to Egypt, China, Africa, and more. Their favorite destination, however, remained Agness, Ore., on the Rogue River, where Nancy was content to read under the myrtlewood trees as Richard fished.
Following Richard's passing in 2024, Nancy spent a happy 18 months at Cogir at The Quarry Senior Living in Vancouver, where she embraced this final chapter with her trademark kindness and empathy for others.
Nancy is survived by her son, Rick; daughters, Jill and Dana (Kyle); and grandchildren, Page (Corey), Cortland, and Bryn.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Ben and Eileen Maxwell
Yesterday
Nancy will always be remembered for her loving character and beautiful smile. She enjoyed being with family and friends. I will miss the times we stood on the street in front our our homes visiting. She sparkled and her personality lit up the neighborhood. We were blessed to have Nancy in our lives.
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