Friends are welcome to join the family for vigil services on Friday, August 22nd, 2014, from 7:00 – 9:00 P.M., at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home at 870 San Benito St., in Hollister. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, August 23rd, 2014, at 11:30 A.M., at Sacred Heart Church 5th & College Streets, Hollister. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery. For condolences, visit: www.grunnagle.com.
Nancy Marie Koons Salcedo, 62, departed this world in the presence of close family at home on the evening of August 14, 2014. After struggling for five years with COPD her passing was one of peace and comfort.
Nancy was the beloved wife of Jesse Salcedo with whom she would’ve shared their 21st wedding anniversary next month.
She also leaves behind only daughter, Vanessa Santiano, son in law Danny, niece Elisha, and beloved pets Lexi, Manchas, Lady, Pickle and Blaze.
Born on April 27, 1952, in San Francisco to Mervyn Murphy and Anne Marie Maxwell, she was later adopted by Harrar and Mary Goss. She grew up on the San Francisco Peninsula living in the cities of San Mateo and Menlo Park with her parents and adopted brother Jim.
Both Harrar and Mary preceeded her in death (1961, 1971). After the passing of her mother, Nancy searched for her biological family, reuniting with her birth parents and also sister and brother, Susan and Grant Murphy, paternal uncle Thomas Murphy, and step mother, Judy Soderlund.
Sharing many of the “Murphy Family Traits” her bond with her biological family grew. Their sense of wit, intelligence, fun and love of the SF Giants left no doubt that she was one of them. Though Mervyn and Grant both passed in 1990 and 1995 respectively, the bonds she formed with the Murphy clan were lasting. She remained very close to this branch of her family until her passing.
Nancy was a Catholic school girl, attending both Nativity and Holy Cross for the entirety of her K-12 schooling. During this period she and Paula Garcia forged a lifelong friendship. She continued on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree and Masters in Psychology from SF State and Lone Mountain College, completing her graduate work in 1974. During this time she met long time friends Gayle and Kathy. After University, Nancy worked for San Mateo County’s Area Agency on Aging.
Nancy met first husband, David Koons, in 1974 and they were married in 1976.
In 1982, she gave birth to their first and only child, Vanessa, and while the labor was long, she would say that it was the best day’s work she ever did. She dedicated her life to the raising of her daughter and gave her the best upbringing a child could ask for.
After David and Nancy divorced in 1992, she soon met Jesse Salcedo and the two were wed on September 11, 1993. Among their adventures, they traveled to Australia, the South Pacific, Europe, and Mexico.
Until her death, Nancy shared her numerous passions with those around her. She was a fantastic knitter who created clothing that people actually wanted to wear. She loved to jump in the car, music blasting, and explore, driving endlessly on back roads, wanting to explore every inch of California. Even later in her illness she could be heard saying “let’s take the long way home.” Nancy was passionate about the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Yosemite, taking great pleasure in their cabin and calling the area her spiritual center. She also loved the San Mateo coastline and was proud to be a lifelong resident of this wonderful county.
Most importantly she loved her family and friends endlessly. Nancy had a generosity of spirit that will not be soon forgotten. Everyone she loved knew that she loved them. Even as she became housebound, she would say “As long as I have my family around me, I am happy. That is all I need.”
Mom, your love, kindness, wit and passion will be missed. Despite the pain of loss, we know it is but a small price to pay for having you in our lives. Thank you for the support, laughter, and love you gave to everyone you are close with.
We love you! Go Giants!
Nancy Marie Koons Salcedo April 27, 1952 – August 14, 2014
