Nancy Forgrave Cree

1928 - 2017

Nancy Forgrave Cree February 14, 1928 - October 26, 2017 Coronado Nancy Forgrave Cree died peacefully at home on October 26, 2017. She was born on Valentine's Day, 1928, in St. Joseph, Missouri.She was the daughter of Dr. Paul Forgrave and Mrs. Ellen Claassen Forgrave of St. Joseph, Missouri. She was raised there where she attended Central High School, graduating as class Valedictorian.She moved to Southern California in 1944 to attend Scripps College. She thrived as well in that academic environment, once again being named Valedictorian of her graduating class in 1948.Nancy married William H. Cree, Jr. that same year and moved to Long Beach where she enjoyed being a homemaker and raising her two children while generously contributing her time to various charities and Boards. Nancy was a three -year National President of Scripps Alumnae Association, was a Director of Friends of Claremont Colleges and was co-chairman of Scripps College Capital Funds Committee.The Junior League of Long Beach was another beneficiary of Nancy's involvement. She chaired several committees and was at one time the Vice President. Coronado, California was her residence since the early 1970s. She loved Coronado and spent countless happy hours at the Coronado Library. While dining at the now closed La Avenida Caf, it was Nancy who recognized a soiled wall mural as the work of Mexican muralist Alfredo Ramos Martinez, under whom she had studied at Scripps College. The mural is now restored and resides at the Coronado Library. Nancy will be remembered by all for her keen intellect, insatiable curiosity, and her sparkling and gracious personality.She is survived by her two children, William H. Cree, III and Cinda Cree Hicks; her grandchildren William Cree Hicks and Catherine Forgrave Hicks; her son-in-law Thomas O. Hicks of Dallas, and her beloved brother-in-law, Ira J. Cree of Long Beach, California.The family extends gratitude and thanks to her caregiver, Letitia Ibarra and her family for their devoted care.