Nancy Elizabeth Cartier died on March 17, 2019 in Winchester, from the effects of dementia. She was 70 years old. Nancy was born in Decatur, Illinois on January 6, 1949. At the age of 4 ½ years, Nancy contracted a severe case of measles and encephalitis, which resulted in intellectual disabilities. However, despite her challenges, Nancy led a very full, active life. In 1960 she moved with her family to Winchester, where she lived for the rest of her life. She attended Sacred Heart Academy through 8th grade, and a vocational training program at Woodrow Wilson Workforce & Rehabilitation Center in Staunton. After returning to Winchester, Nancy worked for over 40 years at NW Works, a local sheltered workshop. She had a vibrant and independent social life, thanks to the guidance & supervision of her parents and the staff of Shenandoah Valley Community Residences (SVCR). She participated in many activities sponsored by SVCR and NW Works, including serving for many years as a Consumer Advocate on the Northwestern Local Human Rights Committee in Winchester. With her friendly, cheerful personality, Nancy was well known and loved by many people throughout the Winchester community. She was often seen walking around town, stopping in shops to chat with employees and customers. Many people in the community watched over her and looked out for her well- being. She was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church for many years, and played hand bells in their Chimers musical group. An avid sports fan, Nancy loved to watch football & baseball games on TV, and occasionally attended live games. She often amazed people with her ability to discuss names of players on many sports teams, and their various playing statistics. She was especially fond of the Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Orioles. In her later years, Nancy was a resident at the Memory Care Center at Hilltop at Inspirit. Even as her health & memory declined, Nancy continued to charm the staff there with her friendliness and her wit. She will be greatly missed by many people around Winchester who loved her and whose lives she touched.
Nancy was preceded in death by her mother, Helen (Chew) Cartier; stepmother, Pearl (Thompson) Cartier; father, Roy A. Cartier (all of Winchester); and brother, Lenox Cartier (of Alexandria). She is survived by her sister, Therese (Cartier) Vogel; brother-in- law Michael Vogel (of Portland, OR); 2 nephews- Gregory Vogel & Colin Vogel; and 3 great- nieces- Aspen, Penny & Madeleine Vogel.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, March 24 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Jones Funeral Home in Winchester. A funeral service will held be on Monday, March 25 at 11:00 am at Grace Lutheran Church in Winchester. Burial will be at Shenandoah Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shenandoah Valley Community Residences (SVCR), 301 N. Cameron St., Suite 103, Winchester, VA 22601 or at www.svcr.org .