Nancy Bruce Hawkins, age 75, died peacefully at her Tulsa home on September 23rd. Her kindhearted, genuine, loving spirit was noticed by all who met her and will be missed deeply by all who loved her.
Nancy was born in Tulsa on July 20, 1948 to Loyd and Dorotha Lou, "Brucie and Punkin," Bruce. She was a lifelong Tulsa resident and a graduate of the Central High Class of 1966. Although a cliche', her family was her pride and joy. She was married for 45 years to her loving and devoted husband John. They loved to travel together seeing friends and family and usually finding historic sites along the way. On the other hand, Nancy was just as happy to spend a long evening by the fire at home with John, a glass of wine (or two), and intriguing conversation. Their parties for St. Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo, and the random summer cookouts became annual events anticipated by all. Nancy always had a word to brag about her children Scott, Chris, and Laura and loved celebrating their milestones with a great party and lots of laughs. Motherhood was one of her many gifts which she shared with so many beyond her own three children.
Nancy was a Wonder Woman who had many secret identities - encourager and provider to those in need, academic super star (#1 in her dental hygiene class at Baylor University), world traveler, and co-author of family cookbooks. She was also a wonderful cook, an avid reader, an artist, and a volunteer leader in church, school, and community organizations across Tulsa. Nancy was Mimi to her ten grandchildren, devoted daughter to her parents, sister, aunt, and friend to all who grew to know her. For her husband John, she was the love of his life; she was always there through thick and thin, highs and lows, but in retrospect there are only good memories of good times.
Her friendships and bonds with family and friends were genuine and reciprocal. Some had formal names such as "Family Bonding," "Lunch Bunch," "Book Club," and the good ole "Bridge" group. There were the countless extended family holiday feasts over the decades that averaged over 40 people and always included lots of laughter and ended with content bellies full of homemade food. Then there are the special group of angels who arrived in Nancy's life these last five years, the caregivers. For the caregivers, please know how much Nancy loved and appreciated all you did for her. You went beyond all expectations to be her arms, legs, and voice while bringing your joyful spirits with you every single day. Andrea, you not only kept "Nance" looking exquisite every day, but you filled her with hope of fun filled activities, allowed her to be a Mimi and a mom and a wife, kept her laughing, and were instrumental in her living at home all these years which will be priceless to her family forever.
One sentence only for M.S.: Nancy had progressive Multiple Sclerosis and endured the ravages of this insidious disease for most of her life with unsurpassed strength and without a single complaint over 40 years.
Nancy's love and care for so many was highlighted in these last countless years where friends and family were always checking on her. However, John was the only one by her side every single day, in sickness and in health, without falter. Nancy lived a better life because of John's endless dedication, sacrifice, and love.
One of Nancy's few foibles was that she did not want to be surprised at Christmas. She would begin a seasonal guessing game of where her Christmas gifts were hidden, then speed through the house to find them when the "No, it's not in that closet" was clearly "Oh no, she guessed it!"
A final surprise was her glorious entry into heaven when she passed from this life into life everlasting!
Nancy is survived by her husband John; her daughter Laura Johnson and her husband Mike of Tulsa and their children Katherine, Caroline, and Luke; her son Chris Hawkins and his wife Maria of Seattle and their children Ethan, Anna, Julia, and Lucas; her son Scott Hawkins and his wife Nicole of Sevenoaks, England and their children Payton, Finlay, and Liam; her brother Bob Bruce and his wife Jan and their children Banks Bruce, Patrick Bruce, and Elizabeth Contreras.
There will be a private graveside memorial for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Nancy's memory to Holland Hall Artworks (5666 E. 81st St., Tulsa, OK 74137) in honor of all the years she volunteered at Holland Hall, which included chairing the Artworks program.