Nancy Nelson Fischer died peacefully January 24, 2018, at her home on Vashon Island.

Nancy was born July 5, 1940, in Okanogan, but she lived her first few years in Everett and then began school in Winslow. In 1948, the family moved to Winthrop. Nancy was valedictorian of her Winthrop High School Class of 1958. After graduation, she moved to Seattle, where she attended Northwest Bible College for a year. She then began working full time at National Bank of Commerce. There she met Dean Fischer, and the two of them were married in Winthrop in 1961.

Early in their married life, Nancy and Dean bought property and built a home on Mercer Island. In 1970, Dean’s brother and his wife were killed in a plane crash, leaving three children behind. Following this tragedy, Nancy and Dean raised the three children, Lynn, Lisa, and Steven, as their own. In 1977, Nancy gave birth to daughter Lorelei.

In 1979 they bought several acres in the Morgan Hill area on Vashon Island. Over the next several years, they built a home on this property, where they later moved.

Nancy loved the rural atmosphere on Vashon, and especially enjoyed her yard, her plants, and gardening. After her retirement, she spent much of her time with her flowers. Her beloved dog, Ringo, helped her with outdoor activities. Her rhododendrons gave her special pleasure, and she greatly enjoyed the birds and other wildlife that visited the property. In addition to gardening, Nancy’s passion was books. She enjoyed reading on a variety of subjects.

She is survived and mourned by her husband, Dean; her four children, Lynn Fischer (Shaw), Lisa Maresca, Steven Fischer, and Lorelei Fischer; by seven grandchildren; and by her three sisters, Marian Nelson, Christina Nelson, and Rosanna Nelson.

A memorial service is planned for later in the year.