Washington - Nancy Coose Jones died peacefully on February 17, 2023, gently fading away a month before her 97th birthday. She was born on March 20, 1926, to George and Delia Coose in Gloucester, Massachusetts, America's oldest seaport. She came from generations of ship builders, fishermen, tradesmen, and strong resourceful women. Nancy grew up during the depression, scrambling through the woods and picking blueberries with her sister Edna, visiting her grandfather's barber shop, and playing on Gloucester beaches.

When Nancy was 17 years old, her family moved to Minneapolis. She attended the University of Minnesota until she was hired by Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as a customer service representative - one of the best jobs a woman could get at the time. She loved her work, where she learned phone skills that she would later put to good use as a political activist - she could call any elected official and effectively make her policy points!

She soon met Maynard Jones and recognized his kindness; they wed on July 13, 1947, and were happily married for almost 70 years. When Warren and Carol were born, Nancy applied herself to homemaking with the same conscientious intent that she had to her position at the phone company. She was always ahead of her time. She ground her own flour in a small electric mill so she could bake whole wheat bread; she made yogurt and grew sprouts on the kitchen counter; and served her family vegetarian meals - hardly the norm in the late 50's and early 60's.

Nancy's primary interests in life were the well-being of her family and a commitment to health, peace, and social justice; she wanted to leave this world a better place for future generations. Reading Silent Spring by Rachel Carson sparked her interest in environmentalism. Opposition to the Vietnam War led her and Maynard to their lifelong pursuit of peace and justice activism.

Nancy and Maynard moved to Seattle in 1995 to be closer to their adult children and their families, opening a joyous new chapter in their lives. They helped care for their granddaughter Serena, took daily walks at the Ballard Locks, and went hiking in the mountains with their children.

Nancy was always outgoing, good-humored, and kind. Although she was outraged at the injustices she saw in the world, her outrage was never personal. She was gifted at seeing people's humanity and had boundless compassion for others. She would say of people, "They were doing the best they knew how at the time." Despite evidence to the contrary, she retained an optimistic spirit and hope for the future. As a mother, Nancy always listened to her children (and their friends) who felt heard and respected. Her children grew up feeling safe, supported, and loved by both Nancy and Maynard - this unconditional love and grounding was her most valuable legacy. She will be dearly missed.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Maynard and is survived by her brother-in-law Duane Jones (Georgia Savat) of Minneapolis; children Warren (Marian) and Carol of Seattle; her grandchildren Allison, Alex (Charu), and Serena; her great-grandson Nikash and many nieces and nephews. A very special thank you goes to Joana and Grace for the loving care they provided at 7th Heaven Adult Family Home in Edmonds.

Remembrances may be made to DemocracyNow.org or your favorite peace organization.