Nancy Anne Holder April 22, 1930 - September 29, 2015

Nancy Anne Holder lived a wonderful life full of family, friends and adventures. Nancy passed away September 29, 2015 in Bend. She was born April 22, 1930 to Ernest and Mary Dorothy Zeh, and was raised in Grafton, North Dakota.

Nancy sought knowledge throughout her life. She received teaching degrees from Miss Woods Academy, Minnesota, and Oregon State University. She taught for 31 years - 21 of them in Corvallis as a classroom teacher, librarian, and resource teacher.

As a young adult, Nancy traveled to Cuba and Guatemala. She met Joseph B. Holder on a blind date, and they married on June 27, 1954. Together they explored Europe in a VW camper, volunteered in the Republic of Georgia, worked in Trinidad with Habitat for Humanity, visited their granddaughter in France, and travelled the U.S. While they lived in Seattle, Nancy worked as a manufacturers' representative and volunteered at Seattle Children's Home. They retired to Black Butte, where Nancy volunteered with Sisters Habitat for Humanity and was active in the Cascade Investment Club, BBR Women's Association, Art Guild, Black Butte Players, and PEO.

Nancy's family was the most important thing in her life, and together they enjoyed many camping, sailing, skiing and road trips. She was an amazing cook and gracious hostess - her organizational skills made everything look effortless. Nancy's love of reading and learning was evident in her ability to talk to anyone; she had a plethora of dry and thoughtful comments that seemed to come effortlessly. She was a smart, active, elegant and beautiful woman. We will always remember her smile and her sense of humor.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 61 years, Joseph of Black Butte Ranch; daughter Mary Kay of Seattle; son Christopher of Sisters; and granddaughter Kaitlin (Travis) of Seattle; as well as many beloved cousins and friends.

A Catholic Mass will be celebrated for Nancy on Friday, October 23, at 3 p.m. at St. Edward The Martyr Catholic Church in Sisters. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Touchmark in Bend.

Nancy's family gratefully thanks the amazing caregivers at Touchmark for their loving care, kindness and compassion. She was treated with dignity and respect; you gave Nancy the ability to be her best self.

Remembrances may be made to Circle of Friends (353 W. Hood Ave., Suite 109, Sisters OR 97759) or Habitat for Humanity (141 W. Main Ave., Sisters OR 97759).