Nancy Barrow Alboucq, age 55, much-loved wife of Steve Alboucq, mother of Cara, sister of Linda Hobbs and daughter of Josie and Wally Barrow, lost her short battle with pancreatic cancer on Thursday, June 20, 2013 in Seattle.
Nancy was loved by so many in her hometown of Eastsound, WA, on Orcas Island, as well as in the Seattle area, where she was born February 18, 1958, and spent most of her life.
Nancy was a graduate of Mercer Island High School ('76) and Washington State University ('80) where she met the love of her life, Steve Alboucq. They were married in 1984 and made their home in Seattle, then Bellevue, until moving to Orcas Island four years ago.
Nancy was a natural athlete and competed at a high level as a gymnast for her high school team. She was also an exceptional water skier. Nancy earned a college degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in ceramics. She was an accomplished potter, and her first job out of school was for Seattle Pottery. She pursued a lifelong passion for fine art in her many travels in the U.S. and abroad. Nancy was employed as a manager for the Holland America Line, and as a bookkeeper for Sam Rubinstein, one of Seattle's most prominent business and cultural leaders.
Nancy and her family began spending their summers on Orcas when she was 9 years old. She fell in love with the beach, the water, the wildflowers and all of the island's critters. She made a vow to live there one day.
On Orcas Island, she was an active volunteer and "citizen scientist," dedicated to learning about and protecting the marine life and natural resources of the Salish Sea through stewardship, outreach and research. She was one of the "shopgirls" at Tres Fabu, a honeybee keeper, avid gardener, book club member, basket weaver, phytoplankton tracker, band wife and agate hunter.
More than anything, she was a devoted mother and family member. In addition to Steve, Cara and her parents, Nancy leaves behind her sister, Linda Hobbs, brother-in-law Russ Hobbs, and nephews David and Willie Hobbs, of Whitefish, Montana. She will be greatly missed, but she will live on in our hearts.
To all who knew her, Nancy exemplified these words in the way she lived her life:
"It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."
"Kindness is something we receive and have to pass along in order to keep it."
Nancy's immediate family will hold a private memorial in the near future to spread Nancy's ashes per her wishes. A formal memorial celebration of Nancy's life is planned for later in the year.
Contributions in her memory can be made to The SeaDoc Society (www.seadocsociety.org) or The San Juan Preservation Trust (www.sjpt.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 24, 2013
Steve, Greg and i are thinking of you this Christmas season, as you bravely head into this week without Nancy. You are in our hearts. December 24 2013
Susan and Greg Miller
July 19, 2013
Dear Steve,
We share your grief at the loss of your loving wife Nancy. It is such a shock to lose someone so young, so good and kind. Her death leaves a void in the world difficult to fill. Our thoughts are with you and her family.
Love The O'Regan Family
July 8, 2013
Sharon & Don Archer/Eklund
Dear Steve, Cara, Josie, Wally and family,
Our heartfelt condolences to you all. Nancy has a special place in our hearts. We think of her everyday when we are out working in our garden. So many fond memories of going on garden tours and finding the most unusual plants to take home. Nancy's ability to nurture long friendships was such a gift to us. We miss her and Don and I will be planting a flower garden to honor our dear friend
Nancy. Love and hugs, Sharon and Don
July 5, 2013
Brian Kirk
Saddened to hear of Nancy's passing and my prayers go to out to Family. God Bless you All.
July 1, 2013
Dear Josie, Wally, Steve, Cara and Linda,
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Nancy's passing. What a dear sweet young lady. During Frannie's recent health struggles, Nancy was there with a smile, words of encouragement, laughter and much needed care for her loved Aunt.
We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Lynn and Al Anderson
July 1, 2013
Dear Barrow family, I was so sorry to hear about your lose. I have very fond memories of spending time with you all (mostly Linda) at your Orcas Island beach home in the 60's. My father (Robert) passed away suddenly close to to months ago so I have some idea what you must be going through. My thoughts will be with you.
Jill Snyder
July 1, 2013
Buc & Pat Alboucq
June 30, 2013
Dear Barrow Family,
We were absolutely shocked reading about Nancy's recent passing. After Frannie's death we had corresponded several times with Nancy. She was truly a delightful, beautiful person. Frannie always spoke so highly of her nieces. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers and we are so very sorry for your loss.
Please be sure to contact us regarding any memorial service in the future.
Don and Karen Greenway
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