Nancy Jane Woodside

On May 19, 1942, in Winchester, Massachusetts, Nancy Jane (Walsh) Woodside was the firstborn to John Burke Walsh and Evelyn London Walsh. On December 7, 2024, Nancy left this earth peacefully in her sleep. Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, her sister and shenanigans partner, Bonnie Burke (Walsh) Paraskeva, and her talented daughter, Marla Victoria Woodside. She is survived by her daughter, Erika Phillis Wartena, Niece Sally (Paraskeva) Ferguson (Rich), Niece Lesa (Paraskeva) Anderson (Dustin), Niece Catherine (Paraskeva) Loeffer (Chris), Niece Alison (Paraskeva) Curtis (Brian), Nephew Michael Paraskeva (Katie), grand-nephews and nieces, as well as her extended family of friends around the globe.

Nancy was baptized and raised in the Baptist faith where music was integral in worship. She grew up just outside Boston and spent summers on Cape Cod. Music and worship remained stalwart sources of inspiration throughout her life, as did her beloved Cape Cod and Atlantic Ocean. Nancy played piano and strove to sing the loudest in church so Jesus would know she meant it. She enjoyed the arts in all mediums including literature, painting, and theater. Nancy was a tomboy. She played basketball in high school and was outgoing, mischievous, and wicked smart.

Nancy adored her father, an Irishman who played professional football, became an accomplished Mobile Oil Executive, and served as a member of the Masonic Order. Nancy achieved high ranks in the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls; a Masonic youth service organization teaching leadership through community service. Her mother had a career as an Executive Secretary prior to marriage and role as Domestic Engineer. She taught Nancy the Ps and Qs of polite society which served her well in every situation.

Nancy married Kenneth Brander Woodside, a Bank Executive, Veteran, and fellow Bostonian who later became a Methodist minister. They welcomed their first child, Erika, and Kenneth accepted a pastoral appointment at Trinity Methodist Church, in Highland Park, Michigan. Shortly after moving to Michigan, they adopted Marla. The just-established Homes for Black Children's adoption agency's first infant was of mixed race and difficult to place. Nancy's friend who started HFBC, left that infants' picture on their mantle that Christmas; she was irresistible. Trinity Methodist Church hosted many concerts, including Duke Ellington. As the civil rights movement progressed, their congregation became active supporters. Nancy built community. Wherever she was, she rolled up her sleeves, pulled on her boot straps, and did what big girls do (wink). She always found her tribe and fought for causes she believed in.

As a single parent, she moved to Detroit and began employment at the Salvation Army medical services. Nancy continued her civil rights advocacy and embarked on peace activism, for example through her work on the Indochina Peace Campaign. Not long after women could first have a bank account / apply for a loan (c.1974), Nancy began employment at Ford Motor Company working the production line. It was good pay, good OT, and good benefits for her children. Initially, there was one other woman colleague and no female designated restrooms at the factory. Nancy worked to improve labor conditions and accessibility, and she promoted to Supervisor. She loved to tent camp and spent many weekends with her daughters on Lake Michigan enjoying its beauty. Nancy and her girls were a host-family via Youth for Understanding. Tuija spent her senior year of high school with them and brought invaluable cultural exchange. Nancy took pride in bringing style to her home and her fashion. She had the Walsh flair for decorating and holiday sprinkling.

Nancy moved to Ann Arbor where her daughters graduated high school and left for college and the U.S. Air Force. Nancy was immensely proud of her daughters. Marla served honorably as an Air Traffic Controller in the U.S. Air Force and Erika graduated medical school. Nancy retired from Ford, purchased her first home, a condo in Toledo, graduated from the University of Toledo, and then from its School of Law with a Juris Doctorate. Nancy started her first business providing legal mediation services primarily for persons in need.

She then moved to Utah, co-founded a second business, purchased her second home: a condo in Provo, and land in the Canyon. She was an avid puzzle, scrabble, and bridge fan. Nancy thrived as a leader, organizer, and innovator in grassroots community building. She was a consummate Do-Good-er. She became an active member of the Utah chapter of the Democratic National Committee and ran for State Congress.

Nancy moved back to her true love, the Atlantic Ocean and lived in a perfect Hyannis Cottage near the shore. The Patriots had a devoted fan and Brady walked on water. She eagerly anticipated the first lobster roll of each summer on her beach. She became active in the non-profit Homeless not Helpless and Eve's House, a transitional housing program where women developed life skills and readied themselves for independence. There she helped many find their voice and move through trauma via a weekly writing group. Nancy curated their collected works of poetry, and published them in a book titled Seaglass. It was not the first time Nancy had published poetry. She experienced many thrilling travels including Ireland where she walked with a large Sheleighleigh, a jaunty hat, a twinkle in the eye, and quite naturally became the center of the craic in every dell and dale.

Nancy returned to Utah and was grateful for the support of friends and family. She remained independent, impish, spirited, giving, unfiltered, unfettered, and generally speaking, often to the chagrin of many, always right. As an Octogenarian, she received a lifetime achievement award for her service to the DNC. Nancy led her life and her passing on her terms and left an indelible impact on the people and places she touched. We miss her dearly, are grateful she is at peace, and wish her bright light Godspeed.

Her Celebration of Life will be held Monday, December 30th from 2pm-5pm (MST) at Welcome Home Assisted Living at 1889 W. 930 N. Pleasant Grove, Utah and available via zoom link. Details are available at Nelson Family Mortuary, Provo, Utah. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Eve's House via Homeless not Helpless of Hyannis, Massachusetts at homelessnothopeless.org or perform an act of service in honor of Nancy.