Nancy Huffman, 81, of Deer Harbor, passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 26, 2012 at her home on Orcas Island with family and friends at her side. She was born October 15, 1931 in Hilo, Hawaii to Robert and Winifred Simpson.

Nancy attended Napa College in Napa, Calif.

Later in life she went back to school to follow her dream to become an architect. Nancy joined the U.S. Naval reserve in the late 1940s until 1951. She then worked for the U.S. Civil Service on Mare Island outside of Vallejo, Calif. She met her lifelong sweetheart, Jack Huffman, in Napa, California. Jack and his future best man, Brian, were out driving in Brian’s panel truck looking for his girlfriend, who happened to have Nancy sitting next to her in the car. Previously Nancy’s aunt Jessie had told her “You will meet your husband-to-be over water.”

They met in the middle of a bridge, and as predicted, over water.

Nancy’s passion was architecture and art which she was able to combine in the design of several homes. Her home on Orcas Island was her ultimate work of art. She leaves it sadly empty of her presence, but full of her character, and her sense of balance within the space encompassing the human environment.

Nancy is survived by Jack, her husband of almost sixty years. She is also survived by her two children Marjorie A. Plessinger and Robert V. Huffman, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Nancy will be deeply missed.

She has been such a blessing and encouragement to each generation of the family, and others she came into contact with throughout her life.

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, Wash. and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Nancy, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.