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Nancy Gail Black Sagafi-nejad

Nancy Gail Black Sagafi-nejad

December 29th, 1937 - September 27th, 2021

Biography


Nancy Gail Black Sagafi-nejad, 83, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2021.  In her final days, she was surrounded by her husband Tagi and her sons Jahan and David. She is also survived by her sister Susan Savage of Sacramento, CA, daughter-in-law Kristen Sagafi and grandson Ben Sagafi of Oakland, CA, and daughter-in-law Audra Stewart and grandchildren Cameron Sagafi and Leila Stewart of Eugene, OR.


Born in Park Falls, Wisconsin in December 1937, Nancy grew up primarily in Salem, Illinois and Lubbock, Texas.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in art history from Northwestern University, worked at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, and received a Master’s degree in art history at the University of Hawaii, including an eight-month stint in India.  Nancy served in the Peace Corps in Iran in 1966-68, teaching art history at Pahlavi University, where she met and married Tagi Sagafi-nejad.


Nancy and Tagi moved to Philadelphia, where she became Quaker and raised David and Jahan in the Quaker spirit.  Later, Nancy graduated from the University of Texas Law School and worked as an employment discrimination and civil rights lawyer for the government and in private practice, in addition to working as a devoted homemaker. 


One of Nancy’s defining features was her commitment to help bend the arc of the universe more toward justice.  Refusing to accept that “it is what it is,” she spoke out and volunteered for immigrants, prisoners, and other marginalized people.  Nancy sought to overcome bigotry, egocentrism, or jingoism, by fostering the bonds that connect us, through individual acts of kindness and decency, and through direct community action on behalf of those less fortunate. 


Based on her powerful commitment to social justice and civility in professional and personal life, Nancy wrote a book, Friends at the Bar: A Quaker View of Law, Conflict Resolution, and Legal Reform (SUNY Press, 2011), exploring how Quaker values can contribute to improvements in legal practice and the impact of the law on society.


Nancy loved to travel the world and explore the realms of language, history, and ideas.  She was an avid fan of Jeopardy, crosswords, classical music, limericks, and bargains.  


The family and the Eugene Friends Meeting held a beautiful memorial by Zoom on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, Nancy's birthday.


In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the American Friends Service Committee, seeking to free the world of violence, inequality, and oppression, as an expression of sympathy and in celebration of Nancy’s spirit.

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Family

About

Name Nancy Gail Black Sagafi-nejad
Date of Birth December 29th, 1937
Date of Death September 27th, 2021
Home Town Park Falls, WI, US 
Other City Portland, OR, US 
In Memoriam Donation American Friends Service Committee
In Memoriam Donation The Eugene, Oregon Friends Meeting
Family

Family

Significant OtherTagi Sagafi-nejad
ParentsAdaline Clara Gropp Black, Crawford Harold Black
ChildrenDavid Joseph Hossein Sagafi-nejad, Jahan Crawford Reza Sagafi
Milestone

Milestones

1953 - 1957 Northwestern University, B.A.
1958 - 1960 Guide, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
1963 - 1965 University of Hawaii East-West Center, M.A.
1965 - 1968 Peace Corps Volunteer, Shiraz, Iran
1980 - 1983 University of Texas Law School, J.D.
1984 - 1985 Civil Rights Attorney, EEOC
1985 - 2000 Civil Rights Attorney, Solo Practice
1991 Studied at Pendle Hill as Henry J. Cadbury Scholar
2011 Published book "Friends at the Bar" (https://tinyurl.com/quakerlawyerbook)

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Gloria Montalto published a tribute .

I first saw Nancy in Brattleboro; we were standing on a line for something and I asked who the newcomer was. She was tall, willowy with shiny, silky chestnut hair. She had travelled alone to meet you at your job as our instructor. Her voice was soft in contrast to our strong New York accents. Her whole demeanor was on of softness and calm.
After our return to the States, we met again while you were living in PA. Our visit was impromptu…I think we were with the Loughs, and you had company coming for dinner that night as well, but she put out a lunch for us nonetheless and remained calm and graciously asked us to stay for dinner. We did not. She had planned ahead with her tomato sauce already made for a spaghetti dinner. With two small boys scampering about, that was impressive. …the Quaker spirit inhabited her being…calm, steady, practical..
Subsequently, your family visited us in our apartment in Brooklyn. She had packed in a hurry, had thought about everyone else, and did not pack for herself. Somehow, she made do, and again remained calm and not at all frustrated or agitated by this. We had a good time, despite managing 4 kids between in our modest abode.
Our travels together were punctuated with her insights, humor and practicality. She said she did not keep money on her, nor a credit card in the spirit of thrift based on her Quaker tenets, but would laugh at herself when she contradicted herself by ordering a $200 dinner at a posh NY hotel. We are all embodied with contradictions, but unlike me, she just accepted who she was. I remember going on a quest with her in NYC in search of a particular, expensive lipstick color. We had many laughs through that episode. You and Nick happily plodded along with us on that less exotic adventure than others we had shared.

During one of our times together, she told me that when she was buying a dress for your marriage ceremony, the sales person suggested she wear flats because of the difference in your heights. She said she was shocked, because she had never noticed it……so in love with who you are….
I cherish the ”soquati” you both always thought to bring whenever you stayed here, particularly the sterling silver tasting spoon; that was not a gift of a practical, Quaker! Chiara still uses the beautiful salad tongs she gave her as a wedding gift. Her friendship was shown in her trip alone to attend Franco’s second wedding reception knowing that she had to stay with us to the end.
Our visit to Laredo stands out in many ways…making Iranian food ( a complicated zereshq polo recipe)and her treating me to the beauty school for a facial….girl time… I still have her Margarita recipe in her handwriting. She took me to the Ladies’ club to attend a lecture and gave me a taste of life outside the northeast. I enjoyed every minute and came back with some recipes.
WE have fond memories of our visit to your home by the Maryland shore as in Baltimore proper where we attended Quaker meeting. I then had some understanding where her serenity came from.
Her voice still resonates in my head. I say goodbye to a person who enriched my life with her gentle ways. Now, she has taken the ultimate voyage and I take comfort in the fact that she was able to do it on her terms. That was a gift from the universe to her…she was in control and had time to see you and the boys before she left us. Rest in Peace soul of dear, gentle, Nancy. You have left a big hole in the lives of us all, but we will fill them with memories of your existence here among us.







Remembrance of Nancy Sagafi-Nejad
I first saw Nancy in Brattleboro; we were standing on a line for something and I asked who the newcomer was. She was tall, willowy with shiny, silky chestnut hair. She had travelled alone to meet you at your job as our instructor. Her voice was soft in contrast to our strong New York accents. Her whole demeanor was on of softness and calm.
After our return to the States, we met again while you were living in PA. Our visit was impromptu…I think we were with the Loughs, and you had company coming for dinner that night as well, but she put out a lunch for us nonetheless and remained calm and graciously asked us to stay for dinner. We did not. She had planned ahead with her tomato sauce already made for a spaghetti dinner. With two small boys scampering about, that was impressive. …the Quaker spirit inhabited her being…calm, steady, practical..
Subsequently, your family visited us in our apartment in Brooklyn. She had packed in a hurry, had thought about everyone else, and did not pack for herself. Somehow, she made do, and again remained calm and not at all frustrated or agitated by this. We had a good time, despite managing 4 kids between in our modest abode.
Our travels together were punctuated with her insights, humor and practicality. She said she did not keep money on her, nor a credit card in the spirit of thrift based on her Quaker tenets, but would laugh at herself when she contradicted herself by ordering a $200 dinner at a posh NY hotel. We are all embodied with contradictions, but unlike me, she just accepted who she was. I remember going on a quest with her in NYC in search of a particular, expensive lipstick color. We had many laughs through that episode. You and Nick happily plodded along with us on that less exotic adventure than others we had shared.

During one of our times together, she told me that when she was buying a dress for your marriage ceremony, the sales person suggested she wear flats because of the difference in your heights. She said she was shocked, because she had never noticed it……so in love with who you are….
I cherish the ”soquati” you both always thought to bring whenever you stayed here, particularly the sterling silver tasting spoon; that was not a gift of a practical, Quaker! Chiara still uses the beautiful salad tongs she gave her as a wedding gift. Her friendship was shown in her trip alone to attend Fr

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Bill Brandon published a comment .

I could never match the eloquence and vividly multi-dimensional memories of many of the preceding comments, but I do want to celebrate my feeling that Nancy & through her Tagi are old and very dear friends. I became friends with Nancy when we served in Shiraz as Peace Corps Volunteers in that amazing first decade of the Peace Corps' existence. I didn't really get to know Tagi until I visited them briefly in Philadelphia; fortunately we were able to have a few more times together over the years, chiefly that year when I was on a faculty fellowship in Baltimore. I wish that time & fate had brought us together more often, but I will continue to treasure the moments that we did share.

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Tagi Sagafi-Nejad published a comment .

Thanks, Bill. I have always respected your intelligence and cherished our friendship. My email messages to you bounce back! Send be an email, and say hi to Pam. Your words mean a lot to me and the family

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Saeed published a comment .

My mom explained me her first meeting with Nancy at our house in Mashad when married with Tagi Sagafinejad . "She was very kind with lovely smile like an angel " My mom said . I believe she is alive for everybody who knows her .

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Saeed published a comment .

My mom explained me her first meeting with Nancy at our house in Mashad when married with Tagi Sagafinejad . "She was very kind with lovely smile like an angel " My mom said . I believe she is alive for everybody who knows her .

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Tagi Sagafi-Nejad published a comment .

Dear Saeed, thanks fir the kind comments. I remember when Nancy and I came to your house in Mashad. Great memories of a magical time. Please convey my thanks to your mom.

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Patricia Chavez De Abud published a comment .

We meet NAncy &Tagi in Laredo. NAncy was always a wonderful person to be with. Interesting conversations, I admired her in many ways, a dinamic lady with a loving hearth. We shared projects, conversations, fun, and our friendship was a wonderful gift. I will remember her dearly through our photos, memories, her book, and the many special moments we had. Rest In Peace my friend we’ll meet again somewhere

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Carmen published a tribute .

I will miss her.

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Carmen published a comment .

I will miss her.

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Stanley Takata published a comment .

We are sorry for your loss

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Meta Maxwell published a comment .

Tagi, It was an honor to spend an evening with you, Nancy, Anne and David before your move to Portland. We look forward to opportunities to visit again when you come to Eugene to spend time with your grandchildren. May Nancy rest in peace and may you take joy in savoring memories of your time together. Meta Maxwell and Mark Osteeloh

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Tagi Sagafi-Nejad published a comment .

Thanks, Meta and Mark, your comments give me more comfort. Tagi

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Mohammadreza Beynabaji published a comment .

May ahe rest in peace, a great wife & mother

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Tagi Sagafi-Nejad published a comment .

Thanks. She had always wanted to come to bainabaj, to see my birthplace. I regret that she did not get a chance.

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Sara Puig Laas published a tribute .

Tagi and Nancy came into my life when we all lived in Laredo, TX, and I am so grateful to have had them in my life, even though the time we shared there was not nearly long enough. We met through an informal group called Saturday Socratics that gathered on the TAMIU campus regularly to discuss issues of the day. From the first session, I admired their intellect, their world view, their analytical skills. I also loved the joy Nancy & Tagi still found in each other's presence after so many years of marriage.

During the "girl times" we spent together, Nancy shared some of her life's many adventures with me. She never bragged, so it was gradually that I learned how truly intelligent and accomplished she was. And always at the center of our talks were Tagi and her beloved sons. As Tagi started retirement from TAMIU, Nancy looked forward to being closer to "the boys" and their families.

Nancy created such a beautiful home in Laredo, delighting visitors with their wonderful collection of art and keepsakes from their travels. Her wonderful meals made everyone want to return.

On July 25 Nancy and I had a long telephone chat, and she was looking forward to moving to Eugene. We shared laughter and good memories, and so it was a great shock to learn that beautiful, bright Nancy is not visible to us any more. It was a privilege to have known her, and she will never leave my memory, My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences go out to Tagi and all the family at this time of great loss.

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Tagi Sagafi-Nejad published a comment .

Dear Sara,

Your words and the memories you shared mean a great deal to me and the family. I, too, will always cherish the memory of our getting together, and listening to your amazing stories that you and Senator shared with us. I regret that Saturday Socratics did not survive our departure from Laredo. Someon may pick up the batons and revive it.

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Peter Haruna published a comment .

As far as I can remember, I got to know Tagi soon after his appointment here at TAMIU, and the connection between us seemed naturalistic. Soon thereafter, I joined Saturday Socratics upon Tagi's invitation and I enjoyed every bit of those conversations. Meeting Nancy was a joy and an honor. I admired her input and insight at Saturday Socratics meetings and on one occasion I led a discussion on "How Democracies Die" which stimulated considerable thought. While everyone present contributed and kept the meeting lively and lovely, Nancy's thoughts and reflections stood out to me. Not only did she appreciate my review of the topic, but also she shared her thoughts and ideas fluently and pleasantly. Beyond these conversations, my wife and I were greatly honored to visit Tagi and Nancy one evening and continued our ongoing conversations over delicious dinner that Nancy prepared. We remember that evening with joy and excitement made possible by our honorable host and hostess, Tagi and Nancy. When I was invited to help them to package their home library for the trip to Eugene, it was a pleasure to be able to lend a hand. Nancy was at her best, telling me short stories about each collection and offering me drinks and snacks intermittently. The greatest moments in my life are those moments when I have the chance to share time with friends and family and Nancy made it even more so. It's with the deepest sense of sorrow and sympathy that record this post but doing so gives me joy that I had the chance to meet with Nancy and Tagi and to enjoy their rich sense of humor. May Nancy's memory be a blessing to all of us.

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Tagi Sagafi-Nejad published a comment .

Very kind and thoughtful of you, dear Peter. My sincere thanks, and gratitude fir your friendship.

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Tom Austin published a tribute .

I met Nancy and Tagi in Shiraz, Iran when I was training to become a Peace Corps Volunteer. At 22 I was half way around the world and feeling alone and cut off from everything familiar. It was culture shock, and I was suffering. Then I met Nancy and Tagi. Right away, I felt better. They embraced me with friendship when I needed it the most. When I returned to America two years later, Nancy met me at the airport in Philadelphia and she and Tagi hosted me for a few happy days. Over the years, we met occasionally, and fortunately in the last few years, we met again in Oregon. I feel very happy that Nancy and Tagi and Susan and I were able to share some more good times together. It was a blessing to know Nancy, and I am sad that she is gone.

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Ken Hung published a tribute .

A very graceful lady, a writer, a civil rights lawyer. She is so insistent on justice. Admirable.

Tagi, Please take good care of yourself. We will all miss her greatly.

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Vida Haruna published a tribute .

I was honored to spend an evening at her house in Laredo. Such a nice person, May her soul Rest In Peace.

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Nancy's Memorial

December 29th, 2021 at 9:45am
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