NANCY HUNGERFORD

1963 - 2021

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Nancy Anne Hungerford, our beloved wife, mother, and friend.

She was 57 years old when she passed away in San Antonio, Texas in the early afternoon of December 9, 2020 while in the comfort of her home. In her final weeks, she was invariably in the company of her husband and children, and had her adored cats sleeping against her.

Nancy was born on October 25, 1963 to John Russell and Frances Ann Held in Seattle, Washington. She attended Langley High School and graduated in 1981. Nancy then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and worked as a diesel mechanic; her decision to serve her country was held with great esteem and pride for the rest of her life. She served from 12/03/83 to 06/01/03, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Engineman Second Class. In 1999, she earned an EMT certificate; while continuing her service in the Reserves, she became co-founder and owner/operator of Pulse Ambulance Service, which operated from 2000 to 2010. She loved taking care of patients and made their comfort and dignity a top priority.

While Nancy may not have had a glamorous or extended career, she was proud of her service and company, was passionate about helping others, and was devoted to raising her kids. Nancy was an avid fan of the Seattle Seahawks (and Sonics) and loved Elvis Presley. She enjoyed cooking for her family, working on home projects, discovering new shows to watch, and feeding "her" deer that roam freely behind her house. She was never too busy to save an animal in need, and was stubborn enough to insist on adopting many of them. Nancy was one of the strongest people we have known; she persevered through hardships early in life, and was always a fierce advocate for doing what's right. Her characteristic humor and dry wit stuck with her to the very end. Recently, when calling her "as fresh as a daisy," she responded that she would "soon be pushing up daisies."

Nancy was preceded in death by her mother Frances Held and her step son David Hungerford. She is survived by her loving husband, John Hungerford Sr.

She also leaves behind five children, about whom she claimed to "not know what she did right": her daughters Stephanie Gamboa, Angela Gamboa, and Chanel Gamboa, and her son John "Jack" Hungerford Jr. and step son Daniel Hungerford. Nancy is also survived by her father Russell Held; her sisters Marie Storrs, Cheryl Miller, and Susan Swenson; and her brothers Michael Held, Matthew Held, and Anthony Anderson. As Nancy would often say to close a conversation, much to our chagrin, "It is what it is."

A memorial service was held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on December 23, 2020 with full Military Honors.