A loving, dedicated, and generous Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother and Friend; Nancy lived with strength, compassion, and dignity throughout her life. She passed away peacefully in her lovely, happy home on Jan. 17, 2024, surrounded by fresh flowers, fragranced candles, laughter and most importantly, love and respect. She will be greatly missed by the many people that she has touched.
My mother was born in Mexico, to W.C. and Sallie A. (Mull) Donohew on Jan. 03, 1928. She had two sisters whom she adored, Myrtle (Parsons) and her twin Katie (Pearl); she graduated from St. Brendan’s in 1946. Nan married Major Quentin C. Bakke in 1956; they managed Bakke Farms in Centralia for 18 years, then moved back to Mexico in 1974. Mom and Dad were happily married for 52 years, until my dad’s passing in 2008.
It was a struggle to adjust after the loss of my father; she involved herself with daily activities that included a group of great friends she had known most of her life. She decided to move to Sun City in 2014 to enjoy a change of climate and to be with her sister Myrtle and brother-in-law Tom, where she made a new group of friends and continued her giving ways with a desire for living a full, relevant life. Her annual trips back to Mexico and Miami to visit friends, brought her great pleasure and joy.
She had had some health challenges in the last few years; her resilient, can-do attitude and healthy lifestyle kept her going, with long, long bouts of calm, easy and happy living. Recently, her health had gotten markedly worse, so her passing was a tense arrival. I appreciate the attention and prayers of our friends and community. Just as when my father passed, there is comfort in feeling surrounded by gentle thoughts and kind wishes, sent out by people they had known in their younger days and by new friendships cultivated.
The often-complicated map of personal loss takes time to navigate through; the thoughts of how my mother lived her life and how my parents loved each other, will make that journey easier to travel, as time passes.
Nan is survived by her 3 children, 2 grandchildren, one sister and numerous friends and acquaintances.
Some of my mother’s favorite things were:
To her friends, loved ones and medical professionals, I thank you for being of great support and adding value to her life.
Please, in lieu of flowers, make a donation to Mexico’s YMCA; for, as my father used to say, “Our Youth and Community are our greatest investment”.
To Yesterday’s Companionship and Tomorrow’s Reunion.
