Monday, February 25, 2008

"Raise your hopeful voice you have choice"

Nancy Haslam Devenport "NancyD" Nancy passed away suddenly at home on February 19, 2008. Ironically, her mother, Mary Ruth was laid to rest just two weeks ago. The world has lost two very spirited women. Working as a Development Director for Utah State Parks and the Museum of Natural History, she coordinated numerous fund raising projects including the Tate Barn at Soldier Hollow and This is the Place Heritage Museum. She was also a very active member on the board of the Utah Heritage Foundation, and headed several special event projects.

Nancy had a passion for politics and people. She loved to spark a political debate at any gathering, especially if it involved a discussion of our Utah Legislature or 'righteouslature" as she termed it. She was counting the days until our next presidential election. These political talents were put to good use on the 'Becker For Mayor' campaign and the Pete Ashdown senate campaign. She loved being around candidates, staff and volunteers eager to make a difference.

At home, Nancy spent hours in the garden and prepared fabulous soups in the kitchen surrounded by just about every cookbook possible. Nancy devoted many hours to her four wonderful grandchildren; Courtney, Madison, Carter-Man, Ben-Bear and to her Lab - Jax the dog sitting patiently on the kitchen floor.

She is survived by her husband; best friend, John Baumer; two daughters, Anne Phillips and Jennie Zander (Steve); and her sister, Debbie Konopka (Ed). There will be no funeral; however we invite friends and family to celebrate Nancy's life at Memorial House in Memory Grove Park. Date and time to be determined. Please come. Make donations to Utah Heritage Foundation PO Box 28 Salt Lake City, Utah 84110. "And if our hands should meet in another dream we shall build another tower in the sky" "Raise your hopeful voice you have choice"
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune on 2/24/2008.

Megan's note: I met Nancy in 2004 on the Dina Blaes for County Council campaign. She became my 2nd mom like she was to a lot of people on the campaigns she worked on. She loved working on campaigns and was always there when a Democrat needed help. She will be deeply missed.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

While it may be very sad, it's not at all ironic.