Nancy Elizabeth Thomas Sayer
“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief……and unspeakable love.” ~ Washington Irving
Our beloved Nancy passed on suddenly but peacefully in her sleep the morning of July 19th, much too soon at the age of 63. Thankfully she was at home with some of those she loved the most. Twelve family and friends had a pleasant dinner party outside on the previous beautiful warm evening – just the sort of gathering she dearly treasured. We were all so lucky and blessed to have had her in our lives. Everyone always felt better when she was around.
She was raised in Tulsa, OK and graduated in 1969 from Oklahoma University, where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. She moved to Seattle in 1973, where she met and eventually wed her devoted husband, Fred, in 1976. They moved to Vashon in 1977 and built their home and rich rewarding life together at Tahlequah. She worked at the Country Store for 34 years, and was the managing partner of Rain Dragon Antiquities in Tacoma. Among the many good causes she supported were Vashon Island Pet Protectors, Partners In Education, Vashon Allied Arts, Pet Adoption League and the Garden Tour.
Nancy loved travel, good food, parties, dancing, all forms of games and puzzles, children and animals, but especially her gardens; and above all her cherished family and her extensive circle of friends from throughout her life. We all have so many incredible memories of Nancy, wide-ranging stories and experiences we have shared with her. Wherever she went, her quick smile, cheerful attitude, sense of humor and uninhibited laugh quickly endeared her to everyone. She kept a broad spectrum of lifelong friends together through her enduring compassion, faithful contact and visits whenever possible. Such a good and genuine person, with an amazingly kind, gentle, sweet soul and wonderful spirit, she brightened the lives of everyone she encountered. She was the string that held all the pearls together.
At the same time, she also possessed a quick, smart intellect, resolute tenacity and sense of purpose that often surprised people. She would persevere in the kindest, gentlest yet most resilient, convincing, unyielding way until she got what she was after. Nevertheless she always remained generous and tolerant of others’ opinions and beliefs.
She was preceded in death by her parents Harry R. Thomas and Frances (Belt) Thomas; and is survived by her sister Linda (Cap) Baxter of Tulsa; nieces Darci Lohr of Tulsa, Ashley Biggs of Glen Allen, VA and Tracey Gutman of Columbus, OH, and their families; and by nephew Cap Baxter III of Kohler, WI and his family; and by her adoring husband, Fred, who cherishes our lovely girl more than life itself.
Donations in Nancy’s memory can be made to Pet Protectors of Vashon,
www.vipp.org, 12200 SW. 243rd Street, Vashon Island, Washington 98070, (206) 389-1085
Please visit our online website at www.islandfuneral.com to post and read memorials.
Paid Obituary.
