Nancy Ericsson (née
Reinhard) died on August 8,
2020, her 90th birthday. She left
this life as she lived it – quietly,
and with grace and order. She
was a consummate organizer,
always making sure that the
needs of others were met. Of
course, her husband and two
children managed to challenge
that orderliness in her life,
but she always found ways to
restore balance.
Nancy was born in Cincinnati, Ohio
and grew up on Long Island, New York.
She finished her undergraduate degree at
Vassar College with honors, then pursued
graduate work in physiology at the
University of Chicago. There she met her
true love, Lowell Ericsson. They married in
1953 and lived in Chicago before moving
west to Mercer Island, WA, where they
raised their two children, Neil and Jill. She
loved nature and could be found outside
regardless of the weather, maintaining a
large yard of native plants and cultivating
an extensive garden of fruit trees and
vegetables. Birding was another of her
passions, and she maintained meticulous
records of local seasonal populations.
Nancy had many other talents as well,
working as proofreader and technical
editor for Eddie Bauer and Boeing.
She taught herself folk guitar, was an
accomplished photographer with her
own darkroom, and enjoyed studying
genealogy, tracing some members of her
family back to the 11th century. From
1972 – 2011, she and Lowell
ran AAA Laboratory, a home
business in biochemical
analysis for which she wore
many hats – statistical analyst,
bookkeeper, accountant, and
manager. Nancy enjoyed
traveling abroad with Lowell,
eager to learn about other
cultures and customs and,
of course, always making a
photographic record of their
adventures.
Both Nancy and Lowell were active
in the Democratic party, supporting and
canvassing for their favorite candidates and
issues. Nancy was a lifelong member of
the local branch of the League of Women
Voters and served as their recorder. For
over fifty years, she volunteered at all
elections as a polling supervisor. She was
also active at East Shore Unitarian Church,
teaching religious education, producing
the monthly newsletter, and serving on
various committees.
Nancy is predeceased by her husband,
Lowell. She is survived by her two
children, Neil Ericsson and Jill Ericsson.
A Zoom memorial service will be held
by East Shore Unitarian Church at a
future date. In lieu of flowers, her family
suggests that remembrances be made to
the American Civil Liberties Union, the
League of Women Voters of Seattle-King
County, or Planned Parenthood Federation
of America.
Please sign Nancy’s online Guestbook
at www.Legacy.com.
