Nancy Irish Obituary (1935 - 2004)

WEST GARDINER - Nancy Ann Irish, 68, died Tuesday, May 4, 2004, at her home surrounded by her friends and family after a brief yet gallant battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Nancy was born Oct. 5, 1935, in Augusta, the daughter of Charles and Charlotte Stillman. Nancy was a 1953 graduate of Cony High School; she then attended and graduated from the Augusta General HospitalSchool Of Nursing in 1956. Nancy loved her nursing trade and provided care for many years at Seaside Nursing Home in Portland. When Nancy relocated to West Gardiner, she picked up where she left off and again provided care for those in need at Gray Birch Nursing Home in Augusta. When Nancy retired from nursing, she continued her call to give of herself. She volunteered at South Parish Congregational Church in Augusta as a deaconess for seven years and enjoyed her role in the bell choir. More recently, however, Nancy worked as a hospice volunteer, visiting terminally ill patients. Nancy also volunteered for hospice work as a bereavement counselor and made a positive impact on those most in need. Nancy was recognized for her hospice role by being presented with the prestigious Claire Marcus Memorial Award in December 2003. Nancy had a zest for life, and her passions were many and varied. She loved to work in her numerous gardens and found pleasure in the spring when landscape emerged from its winter slumber with delight in an eruption of vibrant blooms. Nancy had a love for the loons on Cobbosee Lake and took part in the annual loon count for the Maine Audubon Society. Nancy was a talented artist and took pleasure in presenting her works to those she loved. Nancy loved singing and playing on the organ. Nancy loved to travel with her husband and especially enjoyed the islands of Hawaii. Finally, perhaps Nancy's greatest fondness was every moment she spent with her grandchildren. Nancy is survived by her husband of 47 years, Ormond Webb Irish of Pownal; a son, Jeffrey Ormond Irish of South Portland; two daughters, Diann Tonneson and her husband, John, of Poland, and Lynda Tanabe and her husband, Keith, of Cape Elizabeth; a brother, David Stillman and his wife, Dotty, of Hall Quarry; four granddaughters, Sarah Tonneson, Kimberly Tonneson, Kylie Tanabe and Lyndsey Tanabe; and many close friends, nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may visit 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at South Parish Congregational Church. Contributions, if desired, may be made in Nancy's memory to the ALS Association, NNE Chapter (Patient's Assistance Fund) The Champlain Mill, 1 Maine St. Suite 13, Winooski, Vt. 05404-2225; or to Hospice Volunteers of Kennebec Valley, 150 Dresden Ave., Gardiner 04345.