Nancy Johnson

09/11/1944 — 10/02/2024

From Richland, WA.

Committal Service

Starts:
Sat, November 2, 2024, 2:00 pm
Ends:
Sat, November 2, 2024, 3:00 pm
Location:
Sunset Gardens
915 Bypass Highway, Richland, WA 99352
Website:
Visit   Sunset Gardens

Celebration of Life

Starts:
Sat, November 2, 2024, 3:00 pm
Ends:
Sat, November 2, 2024, 5:00 pm
Location:
Events at Sunset
915 Bypass Highway

Richland, WA 99352

Nancy Johnson

Nancy Lee (Trackett) Johnson, age 80, passed away peacefully at her home in Richland, Washington, on October 2, 2024. Her life was a testament to courage and love, as she faced the challenges of rheumatoid arthritis and a brave battle with lymphoma, emerging resilient in 2012. Nancy’s journey took a turn with a brief encounter with mixed neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine cancers, but her spirit remained strong until the very end.

Born in Oak Park, Illinois, Nancy’s early years (with her parents and three sisters) were spent in Woodstock, Illinois, before moving to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and eventually returning to Illinois, where she graduated from Homewood Flossmoor High School. After a family move to Ohio, she graduated from Miami University, where she met her beloved husband, Edward (Kurt) Trall Johnson, Jr. They married on July 9, 1966, in Washington Court House, Ohio. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and adventure, moving from Ohio to New York to South Carolina, and eventually settling in Richland, Washington, in 1977.

Nancy began her teaching career in Ohio before dedicating the next several years to nurturing her three children, Wendy, Gregory (Ed), and Kurt. In the 1980s, she returned to teaching in the Richland School District, specializing in helping students thrive. She retired from Jefferson Elementary School in 2002, leaving a lasting impact on countless young lives.

A beloved member of the Kiwanis Club of Richland, Nancy organized the 5th grade pen pal program at Lewis & Clark Elementary School, sharing her passion for education and community. She found joy in simple pleasures, such as walking along the Columbia River, where she loved to watch the baby geese each spring. Her family was the center of her world, and she created countless treasured memories, from birthday celebrations to special “10-year-old trips” with her grandchildren, each meticulously planned to create unforgettable moments.

Nancy’s faith in Jesus shone brightly, evident to all who knew her. She was an active member of both C3 Tri-Cities and Central Church in Richland, where she and Kurt led The Truth Project for several years. Her warmth and kindness touched many lives, and her love for her seven grandchildren was unwavering. She made every birthday special with calls and songs, and ensured she connected with them on their first day of school each year.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband, Kurt; her daughter, Wendy (Mike) Jeannette Francis; her sons, Gregory Edward T. (Andrea) Johnson and Kurt Norman Johnson; and her grandchildren, Cody (Courtney) Johnson, Ryan (Francesca Brina) Francis, Scott (Sophie) Francis, Ken (Maya) Johnson, and her granddaughters, Jeanette, Marina, and Margaret Johnson. She is also survived by her sister, Patti (Trackett) Williams.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Norman Kay Trackett and Marie (Waaler) Trackett, her sisters Jacque (Trackett) Espensheid and Barbara (Trackett) Tremitiere, and her daughter-in-law, Keri Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 2, 2024, at 3 PM at the Sunset Event Center in Richland, WA. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Arthritis Foundation or the American Cancer Society in Nancy’s honor.

Nancy’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering love will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege to know her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories that will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.

Guestbook for

Nancy Johnson

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  • Mom,
    Thank you so much for loving and caring for us so deeply ❤️ You were always my favorite teacher – I miss you so much and I’ll love you forever!
    💕🌼🌸💐🌼🌷🌻💕

    Wendy Francis
    November 3, 2024
    Richland, WA
  • I have often wished that distance did not separate us so much, but the rare times Kurt and Nancy visited us, or we visited them, were always memorable – especially our rainforest hike. Nancy was always a gracious host, even to a rambunctious pre-teen nephew, and a wise adviser to a future teacher.

    Grant Johnson
    November 2, 2024
    Findlay, OH
  • Aunt Nancy you will be missed! Even though we have been separated by many miles we always kept in touch! It was such a blessing visiting you several years ago in Richland! With much love! Michelle

    Michelle Zech
    November 2, 2024
    Quincy, Illinois
  • Nancy
    Though you are now with God and at peace , we will deeply miss you.
    We love you
    Doug & Kathleen
    💕💕💕

    Doug & Kathleen Johnson
    October 28, 2024
    Fairport Ohio
  • Nancy

    Though you are now with God and you are at peace ,we will deeply miss you.
    We love you
    Doug& Kathleen

    Doug & Kathleen Johnson
    October 28, 2024
    Fairport Ohio
  • We will remember the times of fellowship over dinners out. They were special sharing times with you two and Buddy and me. I’m so glad I got to know Nancy!

    Eileen Davis
    October 26, 2024
    Walla Walla
  • I knew Nancy though the Kiwanis Club of Richland.
    Her dedication to the youth of our community was memorable. The pen pal program with the elementary students and funding infant cars seats at Kadlec stand out in my memories. Good memories of Nancy.

    Leona Hassing
    October 26, 2024
    Richland
  • I really miss Nancy and especially the wonderful talks we used to have

    Sandy Francis
    October 26, 2024
    Richland
  • I was privileged to be Nancy‘s younger sister. Even though the miles separated us, we shared in each other’s lives through daily conversations on the phone and intermittent visits when possible But our love for each other reached from coast to coast. My life will not be the same without her. She was so determined and courageous! I will always treasure the moments we shared. Her faith speaks volumes and will always be in my heart. I miss you, Nancy! I will stay close with your family because I love them so. ❤️

    Patti

    Patti Williams
    October 25, 2024
    Cranford NJ
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