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Nancy Head Obituary
HEAD NANCY LEE HEAD On January 15, 2010, at her home in Arlington, VA. An activist, advocate, educator and lay minister who dedicated her life to social justice and raising awareness of mental health issues. Wife of the late Charles J. Turck. Nancy Lee was a founding member and for several years served as President of the DC Mental Health Consumers League, the first consumer-led advocacy organization in the District. Diagnosed with schizophrenia in her youth, Nancy Lee consistently encouraged consumers to speak out about their experiences. Nancy Lee served for thirteen years as program coordinator for NAMI - DC Threshold, the local office of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Among her many board and advisory council positions, Nancy Lee was a member of the Dixon Receiver''s Advisory Board and the D.C. Department of Mental Health''s Partnership Council. She was deeply involved in reforms surrounding treatment and conditions at St. Elizabeths Hospital. Nancy Lee worked for thirty-one years for the Presbyterian Church (USA) in various capacities and did significant work in peace fellowship, interfaith worship and with the homeless. In 2001, Nancy Lee was awarded the prestigious John Park Lee Award by the Presbyterian Church (USA) in recognition of her advocacy on behalf of those with mental illness. Survived by her brother, James W. Head, III, of Providence, RI, and nieces, Carol Elisabeth Head of Boston, MA, and Melissa Anne Beal, great-nephew Parker James Beal and great-niece, Alexandra Elisabeth Beal, all of Okemos, MI. Memorial service will be held Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 1 p.m. at CHURCH OF PILGRIMS, 2201 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20037. Memorial contributions in honor of Nancy Lee Head may be made to The Green Door, 1623 16th St. N.W., Washington, DC 20009, an organization that prepares persons with mental illnesses to work and live independently, or the Charles J. Turck Scholarship Fund at Macalester College, St Paul, MN 55105, established in the memory of her beloved late husband, former president of the college.
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Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Head
Sponsored by Carol Elisabeth Head.
Karen
February 27, 2023
Heard a Billy Joel song that seemed to always be on the radio when we worked together and I thought of her.
Karen Browner <3
Umaru Mansaray
October 23, 2010
October 23,2010
As a nurse,i have worked with Nancy Lee in Arlington VA five years ago.Today, i just decided to look on the internet after i did not hear from her for a long time.Sorry to know she died.May her soul rest in perfect peace.Her spirit will always live with me.She was unique in her own way.
Jud Dolphin
August 14, 2010
When I called Nancy Lee from Ukraine and discovered that the phone was no longer in service, I wondered if this meant her death or maybe just a hospitalization.
Nany Lee and I have been friends for decades. We met as board members at PHEWA. From the first we were sympatico. When my work brought me to DC, she was part of an artist gathering that I hosted regularly in my home. She shared her writing and reflections and laughter. Ironically, I will be returing to DC after my Peace Corps service is completed in 2011. I was thinking what fun it will be to regather artists and writers and people of passion with Nancy Lee leading the way. We always believe that our friends and loved ones will always be there for us. But no, it will not be.
She touched my life with the holy and taught me so much about just being present.
I would welcome hearing from others who knew Nancy Lee. Please email me at [email protected]
We love you Nancy Lee and I can hear her say..."I love you too."
Jud Dolphin
Peace Corps Volunteer
Konotop, Ukraine
Cerece Murphy
March 18, 2010
You will be deeply missed by all of us!
Love,
The Staff and Board of Hope and a Home
How you can show support
March 10, 2010
When we were both much, much younger, Nancy (just Nancy, as I knew her then) and I were good friends at a time when it seemed I had almost none. I seldom laughed in those days, yet we often laughed together.
Despite her own problems, she was an ever available, responsive and supportive listener as I spun out my litanies of plight. By gentle questions and suggestions, she helped refocus my magic magnifying mind beyond my immediate crisis toward imminent opportunity.
Though we lost touch over the years, Washington (at least my part of it) is still a small town, so I was aware of her accomplishments as I bounced around the world.. Troubled as she was by an illness that few (including doctors) then understood (and largely still don't grasp), Nancy committed to helping others similarly troubled, paving the way for them to gain and enjoy their own life opportunities. Such was the character of this most remarkable woman.
I am grateful for the warmth of her loving friendship; I am grateful for all she accomplished for others; but most of all I am grateful for her example.
Thom Kilpatrick
Torrance California
Olinda Gonzalez
March 5, 2010
I have known Nancy Lee for the past 14 years and we have been very good friends. She was first introduced to me by Rev Rob Craig of the New York Presbyterian Church, who had known my father, also a Presbyterian minister. I had moved to Washington and was also involved in the field of mental health. My first association with Nancy was in volunteering with her annual NAMI Christmas Party for patients at St Elizabeths and consumers in the community. In later years we would do fun things like take afternoon trips to places like Leesburg, where Nancy introduced me to the countryside there. In recent years, we had dinners about every month or month and a half usually at our hangout, Pier 7 on the Waterfront, and I would sometimes join her for church or a movie. We had much in common in having a strong Presbyterian background, and strong interest in the mental health field. I will miss Nancy greatly. Nancy was a wonderful and sincere person who had great friendship skills. I so admired how she extended to others and built community whereever she was. She regarded every person with importance. She was a true friend whom I had come to depend on for friendship and support. She was also well prepared to comment on policy and kept up with all issues at the national level, especially pertaining to mental health. We had much to talk about. I learned alot from Nancy, and so admired who she was in the world - I would like to say, thank you Nancy for your friendship-I have so appreciated your being there for me, and thank you for who you were in the world. This world so needs more people like you. I was imagining that when Nancy Lee passed on, the angels were welcoming her saying, "Well done, Nancy Lee, Well done, Indeed!"
LuLu Perry
February 10, 2010
Nancy Lee came to our Presbyterian Church in Gulf Breeze, Fla. in the early 1970's, and became a member of our family. She had dinner with us almost every Wed night,and then she and I would go to choir practice. When she left, our church had to Revise Our Budget, because Nancy Lee gave most of her salary back to our church.That says it all to me, she always gave more.Heaven is full of joy and laughter because of her arrival. I know my moma ,daddy and sister were there to greet her.Charles especially!!
February 10, 2010
nancy lee was a great friend of mine. she was one of my father's (hugh b carter) very best friends and they worked together for many years. my father died 3 years ago and I know that the two of them are together again laughing and talking about the people of the world they so dearly cared about. I will miss her tremendously! myra carter therrien
Mark Wendorf
January 28, 2010
Nancy Lee was a true saint. None better. None more faithful.
January 28, 2010
On behalf of the Presbyterian Health, Education & Welfare Association (PHEWA) and PHEWA's Presbyterian Serious Mental Illness Network (PSMIN), i would like to add our heartfelt thanks to God for bringing Nancy Lee Head into our lives. She was, and will remain, our friend and sister, our teacher and inspiration. Spending time with Nancy Lee was truly a spiritual experience.
In a 1992 interview with Nancy Lee for the PHEWA Newsletter, her dear friend, the Rev. David D. Cockcroft wrote, "After seminary, as she prepared for ordination, she was told she had three strikes against her. She is a woman, too old (then 38) but most significantly, she had suffered from schizophrenia. Ordination was not possible for her. 'This was a deep grief for me.'" ... "The church's refusal to ordain her has led to a profound view of sacramental ministry and of church. Let Nancy Lee describe it. 'I started taking my preparations of meals at Sarah House as a sacrament. Maybe I couldn't administer the Lord's Supper but i could administer a supper in the name of the Lord. Since I couldn't baptize, I saw washing a woman's back and trying to help her get the lice out of her back as being a way to participate in baptism in bringing healing waters to her. It broadened my understanding of ministry and the invisible church.'"
The tributes in this Guest Book do real justice to her, when i thought that words could not. They are a comfort to me and i thank you each for sharing parts of your journey with her. Nancy Lee Head leaves quite a legacy. She is with us still, and it is up to us to do her proud.
susan lee stack
Presbyterian Health, Education & Welfare Association (PHEWA)
Meredyth Church
January 27, 2010
Dear Jim,Melissa,Carol and Family,
I just realized that I didn't sign the guest book! The previous entry was fom my family.
January 27, 2010
Dear Jim,Melissa,Carol and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Nancy Lee's
passing. I have wonderful, fond memories of Nancy Lee over the years and what a wonderful tribute to her in The Washington Post!
I was so grateful to have received her annual newsletter this month with a very personal, sweet note to me.
I will never forget her kindness and her wonderful smile!
Best to you all.
CATHY HYLER
January 26, 2010
NANCY LEE WAS AN AMAZING WOMAN AND SHE TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES ESPECIALLY MINE.
SHE LIVED AND BREATHED LOVE. I WAS SO BLESSED TO HAVE HER AS A FRIEND AND I AM SO SAD TO BE WITHOUT HER.
Sean O'Neill
January 25, 2010
Nancy Lee Head is the most inspirational person I've ever met. She made people become what they didn't think they could become. She twisted something in their hearts and gave them new places to go. God bless, and forever remembering you.
Mark Melanson
January 25, 2010
I met Nancy back in 1990 at a Continuing Education course at St. Elizabeths Hospital. We developed a friendship and she was the "pick me up" I needed to get the Stamps for a Living business for patients, off the ground. She always had a word of encouragement and a never ending smile. She gave one of the greatest speeches I have ever heard when she shared her life story. In the crowd of 200 plus, there was not a dry eye as well as plenty of laughs.
Everyone should have the heart of Nancy for those in need. I keep her in my thoughts all the time in my work with the patients.
Mark Melanson, Davidsonville, MD
Nancy Lee Head & Monica Reed 11/27/10
Monica Reed
January 24, 2010
I met Nancy at the Church of the Pilgrims when I was 17 and she was 18. We've been friends ever since and had lunch together on November 27th where I had a wonderful photograph taken of us by the waitress. As always, she radiated joy and warmth and made me feel special. Nancy Lee will never be forgotten and will always be deeply missed.
Monica Towle Reed
Velva Taylor-Spriggs
January 23, 2010
Nancy, you were a tremendous source of hope, wisdom, and inspiration to those of us who must now stay the course in the roughest of waters. May your soul now be at peace.
January 23, 2010
Iden McCollum
January 23, 2010
Nancy, will be missed, I will always cherish you loving, kind and giving spirit.
Iden
Margaret Ann Holt
January 22, 2010
Tribute to Nancy Lee Head by Margaret Ann Holt (Virginia Interfaith Committee on Mental Illness Ministries)
I first met Nancy Lee Head in October 1996 when she was an invited speaker at the very first "Big Event" sponsored by the Virginia Conference Mental Illness Committee (which in 1999 was renamed "Virginia Interfaith Committee on Mental Illness Ministries.") The meeting was held at my church, St. Matthias United Methodist Church in Stafford County, Virginia. I got to know Nancy Lee then, and was very much moved and inspired by her personal story that she shared with the clergy that day. The meeting was a Methodist history-making event: it was the first time in Methodist Church history that a United Methodist Conference had sponsored a meeting for clergy on the subject of mental illness.
Nancy Lee's comments were recorded on audiotape cassette that day, so her words can live on to inspire others for a long time. It was the beginning of a warm and caring correspondence relationship that Nancy Lee and I had all during those intervening years. The white and silver crocheted butterfly that she sent me has been attached to my kitchen curtains for many years as a reminder of her witness and her ministry.
She was a longtime member and leader of the Presbyterian Serious Mental Illness Network (PSMIN). She received the Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association prestigious John Park Lee Award for her service to persons affected by mental illness.
She was a featured presenter at the July 2001 NAMI Convention symposium entitled "The Healing Power of Faith" which was probably recorded (at least on audio) to inspire people for years.
She coordinated quite a number of the interfaith closing worship services for the NAMI national annual convention meetings.
Nancy Lee's personal story has accomplished stigma reduction regarding mental illness. People in Nancy Lee's presence felt her agape (unconditional) love and God's grace.
God used Nancy Lee to minister to a much wider "congregation" than just to one denomination. All who knew her were blessed by her presence. She leaves a large void in our lives.
She also leaves a great exhortation for each of us. Anyone who knew Nancy Lee was amazed at all of the numerous major physical difficulties that she battled with every day….not just mental illness. She even survived a horrendous automobile accident and recovered to continue her advocacy. Her courage and persistence, even in the face of overwhelming conditions, must encourage each of us. She has shown us an example of what is looks like to care for others, and to be an advocate, against all adversities, on behalf of persons with mental illnesses. We were blessed to have known her and to have been able to call her friend.
Frances Wolf
January 22, 2010
Nancy had a huge heart -- always concerned, always caring, always loving. In her wisdom she knew which question to ask, and when to ask it, always being helpful. Her thoughtfulness was always a bright spot in the midst of routine activities, and despite her own struggles she put others first. And, she could type faster than anyone I ever met! Knowing Nancy, I like to think she decided she'd better help God with all the folks streaming in from Haiti.
Phyllis & Rafael Ubico
January 22, 2010
All of God's people were Nancy Lee's friends. Her love and determination afffected all those who knew her. She was our bridesmaid 50 years ago and we have shared the journey with her since then.
We will deeply miss our heart-lifting visits and communications with Nancy Lee. Her absence will leave a hole in our lives. Our condolences to Jim and the rest of her family and to all her friends who shared the privilege of knowing her.
Karen Browner
January 21, 2010
I am saddened to learn of the passing of Nancy Lee. She was a kindhearted, giving person who was a warrior. It was my great pleasure to have known and worked with her.
We a little sadder today because she is gone, but the world is a better place because she did what she could to make it so.
My family and I offer sincere condolences on your loss, God bless you and your family.
Karen Browner
January 21, 2010
I am saddened to learn of the passing of Nancy Lee. She was a kindhearted, giving person who was a warrior. It was my great pleasure to have known and worked with her.
We a little sadder today because she is gone, but the world is a better place because she did what she could to make it so.
My family and I offer sincere condolences on your loss, God bless you and your family.
Michelle Jackson
January 21, 2010
Having Nancy as a roommate at Potomac Center was one of the best things that has ever happen to me.
We both cried when they wanted to change our room. Six months of laughter
but we giggled like girls mostly.
Nancy helped me through a very differcult time, she gave me the strength I needed. God helped me to find such a warm and wonderful friend.
I will miss you Nancy more than I can say.
Doris Heinemann
January 21, 2010
Nancy Lee Head was one of my first and best friends when I joined The Church of the Pilgrims in 1961. We were together in the Young Adults group--how long ago that seems. After I married and moved to Michigan in 1965 we always kept in touch. I received a card with a personal note this Christmas and hoped to see her on a visit that I planned later this year.
One bond that I later shared with her is that one of my sons Philip, age 40, was diagnoseed with schizophrenia in his late teens and has required lots of support. Nancy showed real empathy for us. I had planned to ask her advice on finding a meaningful role for him in advocacy for mental health clients. I think he has a start on lthis in Jackson, Michigan where he lives at a group home and is doing well.
Nancy is an inspiration to all who suffer from mental illness that they can reach out beyond their illness and affect others with their kindness, faith, and professional skills..
We will all miss her, but her legacy lives on.
Doris Borthwick Heinemann
( [email protected] ) 517-238-4225
Victoria Buccino
January 20, 2010
Nancy Lee always found time to keep in touch, in spite of a very busy schedule of helping others succeed in life. We will miss her and all the lovely thoughts that she always conveyed.
Sal and Vicki Buccino
Marilyn Regentin
January 20, 2010
Nancy Lee had the habit of handing our lives back to us in hand written notes. For me it began half a century ago and ended at the very end of her life. I somehow had thought this would go on forever, and in a way it will. Her words live in my head, her messages to our children during their growing up years taught them to love children not their own, and her personal gifts, books that line our shelves sent me on a path I might never have known otherwise. But most of all, I remember the laughter, endless laughter, in restaurants, in fellowship hall, everywhere. Now I know there is laughter in heaven. Marilyn
Nola Murphy
January 20, 2010
Nancy Lee was indeed a force of nature. I came to know her at the McClendon Center where she served as a member of our Board of Directors. Nancy always was first to volunteer and was always true to her promise. We shall all miss her knowing that her significant contributions for the provision of quality mental health services in Washington, D.C. and everywhere will be her legacy. Thank you Nancy Lee!
January 20, 2010
Jim, Carol, and Melissa, I'm so sorry you've lost Nancy. She was an amazing person and has left a permanent mark on anyone who knew her. Few people leave here having given as much as Nancy. She will live on in her legacy and in the hearts of all who loved her. My deepest condolences, Jo-Anne Hart
Arlline Taylor
January 20, 2010
Jim, she was a very special woman with a big heart of love for all. She was a very important person in our life and we were always lifted by her wonderful upbeat spirit in spite of her health difficulties. Her deep faith came through in all contacts. I am proud of you and all your successes and she was, too. I know there is a celebration in heaven.
January 20, 2010
Nancy was a wonderful lady who I knew since childhood. She contributed greatly to this world in spite of her own problems.
We will pray for her.
Peter & Margaret LeNard
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