Nancy Jean Obrist Burgoyne-Waymire

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Nancy Jean Obrist Burgoyne-Waymire. She passed away on April 18, 2022, surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of her home. Nancy, aged 80, was a beloved soul who touched the lives of many.

Nancy Jean was born on February 22, 1942, at Portland Adventist Sanitarium Hospital in Portland, Oregon, to Albert and Marie Obrist. She spent her early years as the second eldest of seven sisters on their family farm in Woodburn, Oregon. Later, she moved to one of the first farmhouses in Milwaukie, Oregon, where she lovingly raised her four children: Michele, John, and Scott & Shawn (identical twins). She was a devoted mother, wife, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a dear friend to many. Nancy Jean adored her family deeply and cherished every moment spent with them. Her passion for "all things vintage" led her to establish and run ‘Nancy’s Antiques’ in Sellwood, Oregon, fulfilling her dream. Despite being a single mother of four, she managed her successful antique store, a source of immense pride for her. Nancy Jean's love for her family and her talent in the kitchen shone through in the delicious meals she cooked. She also poured her love into her garden, delighting in creating jars of jams, jellies, and preserves, which she joyfully shared with others. She found joy in hunting and fishing with her husband, Jerry, especially relishing their salmon-catching escapades on the Columbia River. Her compassion for animals was evident in her care for feral cats in the neighborhood, always making sure they were looked after and providing food on her porch for them.  

Affectionately known as "Mom," Nancy always showed unwavering support for our brave military personnel. Her care packages sent during Operations Desert Shield & Storm stand as a testament to her deep affection, and the heartfelt letters of gratitude she received from the troops during my 24 years of service in the U.S. Navy will forever hold a special place in my heart. This memory perfectly exemplifies the loving and giving nature that Nancy embodied.  

Nancy Jean's kind and peacemaking spirit will be dearly missed by the many lives she touched with her love and light. She is survived by her beloved husband, Jerry, her four children and their spouses; her six sisters, Diane, Janice, Cheryl, Linda, Jackie, and Debbie; her ten grandchildren, Andrea, Alexa, Brittany, Emily, Sierra, Kelland, Jason, Autumn & Haley (twins), and Nicholas; her seven great-grandchildren, and numerous friends.  

A Celebration of Nancy Jean’s Life will be held at Blue Lake Regional Park (number_1 NE Marine DR., Fairview, OR) on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at 1:00 PM. Friends and family are welcome to join us. 

In honor of Nancy, and in lieu of flowers, we kindly suggest making donations to the Oregon Feral Cat Coalition. 

Obituary written and published by John David Burgoyne III