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Nancy Upadhye Obituary
Sept. 3, 1947 - Dec. 24, 2016
Salinas
Nancy Jane Upadhye, 69, a longtime resident of Salinas, passed away at home on Christmas Eve. She was born Sept. 3, 1947 in Charlotte, NC, to the late Hazel and Pat Hutchison.
Nancy graduated from Erskine College and received a Masters of Social Work from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She started her career at San Francisco General Hospital and later worked 30 years for Monterey County Family and Children Services advocating for foster youth. She also served on the Mental Health commission. She was a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church and proudly sang with Monterey Peninsula Voices. Nancy volunteered at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and was a mentor at Girls Inc. and a docent at the First Mayor's House in Salinas.
Nancy was kind and brave. After college she packed her car and headed west on her own to California, a place that would steal her heart forever. Here, she dedicated her life to protecting children and would often drop everything, even in the middle of the night, to be there for a little one who needed her. She loved hot tea in the morning, driving fast down windy roads, books, her countless dear friends, scuba diving, long conversations, traveling the globe and most of all, she loved her daughters. Nancy believed that we are here to try to make this world a better place and she lived every day fighting for that truth, in big ways and small.
She is survived by her daughters Jessica and Janet Upadhye; her sister, Harriet Hutchison, and her granddaughter, Avery Johnson.
Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2016, at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 315 E Alvin Dr., Salinas, CA 93906, with a reception following.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to PBS: Public Broadcasting Service, 2601 Mariposa St., San Francisco, CA 94110.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Upadhye
January 7, 2017
There arent enough words to describe Nancy. I have known her for more than 27 years, when I was a lowly Social Work Intern at Family and Childrens Services. It seems like I followed her from the ER unit to the Adoption unit, back to the ER Unit (now my Supervisor). She went back to Adoptions to Supervise and I transferred to Natividad Medical Center to do Hospital Social Work. Nancy was a wonderful Social Worker, Mentor, Supervisor (with a wonderful sense of humor for silly practical jokes-like entire staff turning in Resignation notices on April Fools Day), my personal confidant, and friend. She always had a minute to -run something by her-. We talked about our children frequently and their adventures. Nancy was the first to hold my daughter at the office Baby Shower they held for me (25 years ago Monday), now a treasured photo. She was an annual ticket holder for both the Western Stage and MPC Theaters and she looked for my childrens name on the Playbill and watched them perform. Nancy had a special gift, not everyone is given. When she spoke, people listened. When you spoke to her, she listened attentively. I am so sorry I missed her retirement party, but especially sorry that I will not be able to attend todays Services again in her Honor. I will never in my lifetime meet another human being as Special as Nancy. My most sincerest condolences to Jessica, Janet and Harriet. May her Spirit live on through you all. Sally Reyes, Salinas
Alicia Metters
January 6, 2017
Nancy was a very calm and courageous warrior. I am glad our paths crossed. Rest well Warrior!!!
Gayle Ward
January 4, 2017
When I think of Nancy first I think MOM, she was so proud of her girls. And now I think of her as a proud Gramma. She was grace under fire as a social worker, treating people with respect and clear, direct communication keeping a child's safety front and center. Her humor and kindness could light up a room. She was one of a kind and so respected by many. We were all lucky to know her. My prayers are for her family as they wrap themselves in the good history their Mom shared. Gayle Ward.
Robert Taniguchi
December 31, 2016
Many children of Monterey County have enjoyed a better life due to the dedication, care and love of Nancy. Some were able to remain safely in their homes and others were able to enjoy the permanence of a forever family. Her compassion helped to influence the careers of many of our dedicated social workers. Nancy will be truly missed but her memory will live forever.
Peace.
Melva Simmons
December 31, 2016
Nancy was so proud of her daughters & their accomplishments. It is gratifying to know she could cuddle with her precious grandchild, Avery. I shall remember her warm smile and her courage and grateful for welcoming me into her adoption unit.
Mary Kay Sgheiza
December 31, 2016
Nancy was a warm, fun and sincere friend. She touched many in a kind and generous way. She will be missed greatly! My condolences to her sweet daughters, Jessica and Janet.
Shereen Baker
December 31, 2016
So sad to hear. Nancy was so kind and warm to me. Thinking of all you.
Dawn Haddock
December 31, 2016
Nancy was lovely. Aubrey and I can't be there for her memorial but we will be there in spirit. Nancy touched so many lives. She will be missed. Love to Jess, Jan and Hutch.
Jackie Gash
December 30, 2016
Thoughts and prayers to Janet, Jessica and all the other family members and friends!!!
Rosemary Simas
December 30, 2016
Give Us Daily Awareness
On life's busy thoroughfares. We meet with angels unawares- So, father, make us kind and wise So we may always recognize The blessings That are ours to make If we but open our heart's door wide To let the sunshine of love inside. I know Nancy did all the time. Will miss her very much
John Washburn
December 30, 2016
John and Marjie Washburn wish to send our sincere sadness at the passing of Nancy.Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, she is a new creation. The old has passed away, the new has come!2 Corinthians 5:17 Blessings to all our Salinas friends.
December 30, 2016
My memories of Nancy are of her smile, laughter and her aura of calm. Her love of family, friends and church, she enriched us all, prayers to family.
Berta Cauvel
December 30, 2016
My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. I stand with the many others who are surrounding you with their love.
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