Remembering Nancy Nordhoff
Nancy Nordhoff was a remarkable philanthropist and a dedicated Whidbey Island community builder who touched countless lives with her vision to make the world a better place. On January 7, 2026, Nancy passed away at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, grace, and enduring impact.
Some of the Island Senior Resources staff had the privilege of working closely with Nancy over the years, and we offer these words in tribute to her extraordinary life. Thank you, Nancy, for all you did for ISR and for the community at large. Rest in peace.
A Letter from Cheryn Weiser:
Nancy was an inspired woman. She inspired others to do great and unexpected things. She was fond of asking ‘why’ when presented with an idea, new concept, or details that might not be thought through. She often had a twinkle in her eyes as if she knew some things you didn’t know when you worked with her on project. She was gentle, clear, and fearless in her quest for community-based programs that made a difference in people’s lives. She was a gift of generosity and support on Whidbey Island.
I first met Nancy at her request in 2001 as she and Linda Moore started Goosefoot. I traveled along with them as a consultant to grow the organization from the founders to a new board of directors. I had the privilege of working with Nancy as Hedgebrook engaged in a similar transition. And, when I took the ED position at Island Senior Resources in 2010, I reached out for her guidance and support resulting at her encouragement to hire a Development Director.
Over the years, we often had lunch or breakfast sometimes with her colleague and mine, Jim Halfaker, who had served on the Goosefoot Board and with whom she had been collaborating in fundraising circles in the Puget Sound Region for many years. More recently, I would meet her at her home to have a conversation about the state of politics in our nation and in Island County or to take a walk in their lovely garden.
Nancy launched and supported important and unique organizations. She loved baseball. I grew to love her as a mentor and friend. She was truly one of a kind and her passing closes an inspirational era of her impact on Whidbey and beyond. She will live on for all of us on Whidbey.
-Cheryn Weiser
Director of Community Programs
A Letter from Charles LaFond
Nancy Nordhoff lived a long and beautiful life of generous giving to others and giving of advice to people like me in the field of non-profit leadership.
She was a bright and sparkling light in the world of non-profits on Whidbey and Camano Islands. When I first met her 6 years ago, I was absolutely terrified because she is such a straight talker, though also kind and honest. In our conversations, I learned when to speak less and listen more while she learned that I saw her as a friend and a person, and not just a potential donor.
Her impact on Island Senior Resources was incredible. Her challenge gifts raised our annual giving 10x in the last 6 years. She also gave an almost $1M gift to eradicate our debt by paying off the Senior Thrift mortgage.
In the last few years, she was old enough that she was not giving checks away to non-profits, and we had more time to just enjoy a lunch in Langley without pressure between a fundraiser and philanthropist. It was more about an old man talking to a slightly older woman about life on Whidbey Island. It’s those lunches, when I wasn’t asking for anything from her but friendship, that will be the lasting legacy of her in my life because I learned that above all, she just wanted the world to be a better place as do I. She, a philanthropist and me, a fundraiser, met as such, but over the years our friendship and love for each other wiped away those distinctions. I sat with her after her final hours, on her bed, and thanked her for the legacy she has left, and wept. The price we pay for love is grief.
We are grateful for the legacy of healing she has left behind. The friendships she made, the generosity she gave, the stories people will tell about her for the next years, that is the closest thing to eternal life. God bless you Nancy, rest in peace.
-Charles LaFond
Director of Development