Obituary
Nancy Jean Jacobson, affectionately known as “Nana”, was born August 5, 1936, in Kanakanak, Alaska to Leonard and Marietta Jacobson.
She and her family lived in various villages and towns in Alaska until 1945 when they moved to Shelton, Washington. She graduated from Auburn Academy before attending Walla Walla School of Nursing and earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She worked for many years as an RN, many of those years working for Dr. Osborne who also delivered all of her children.
In 1956 Nan met her husband-to-be Albert Stagl (deceased 1997), and they were married two years later. After initially living in SE Portland, they moved their growing family to a 10-acre property in Boring lovingly referred to as “Sunny Hills Acres” and also “The Farm.” Many dogs, goats, chickens, geese, a pony, a horse, children and lots and lots of grandchildren were raised on The Farm.
Nan was very involved with her Mt. Tabor Seventh-Day Adventist Church family. She cared for countless children in the Cradle Roll program, led more bible studies and lessons than could be counted, and went on many mission trips to other countries to spread the Word and her love of music.
Music was Nan’s passion, specifically playing the piano and organ. Her Grandmother Ethel brought an upright piano with her from Washington to Alaska in 1934. At just 3 years old, Nan became so intrigued with it that Grandma Ethel taught her the basics and at 10 years old Nan played hymns at the church. She shared her love of music by teaching piano to many children over the years. A former student recently labeled her as the “best piano teacher ever!”
She was known for taking her perch at the organ and piano benches as Head Organist/Pianist at Mt. Tabor SDA church every Sabbath for over five decades and even wrote a children’s music book titled “Children’s Songs for Jesus” published in 1978. Nan’s music book epigraph reads: “To the Lord Jesus, for whose glory and honor these songs were written, and to all the boys and girls who love Jesus and want to praise Him in singing – this book is lovingly dedicated.”
Nan loved to crochet, and chances are if you were born in the last several decades, or had your own children during that time, you were likely gifted a hand crocheted baby afghan masterpiece she made with love.
For many years she sustained a weekly postcard ministry. She was famous for never missing the opportunity to send a card for every single birthday, anniversary, or milestone. She was proud to be able to keep that up until just the last several years when memory and handwriting became a challenge for her.
In 1999 a mutual friend reintroduced Nan to her former high school sweetheart Douglas Schippmann. After a brief engagement, they married in January 2000. They spent several years taking road trips to visit family before mobility issues kept them closer to home in their older years. They lived in Eagle Creek until health issues required the need for assisted living. They lived in Milwaukie for 2 years until recently relocating to Tigard to live at a facility managed by Nan’s Granddaughter Lissa.
She was a lover of nature. She especially loved birds and listening to them sing. She loved to hear any stories that involved wildlife creatures like squirrels and bunnies. Over the years she went through hundreds of pounds of bird seed to keep her feathered friends happy as she watched them out her dining room window.
Following a brief period on hospice care, on July 30, 2024, Nan passed away peacefully in her Tigard home, surrounded by her family. In her final days she was able to pray and have meaningful one-on-one conversations with every one of her family members, and that was of utmost importance to her.
She is preceded in death by her husband Albert and her brother David.
Nan leaves behind her children, Steven (Jodi), Stuart (Misti), Marie (Don), Stanley (Michelle), Michael (Jennifer deceased 2016), and Michelle (Bill deceased 2024); Grandchildren Brandon, Cameron (Kori), Dawson, Carson, Bryan, Lissa (Devon), Christopher (Mellie), Benjamin, Mellissa (Bryan), Dyllen, Steffani, Tasha, Andrew (Melissa), and Bethany (Jeff); Great Grandchildren Taylor, Melia, Nathaniel, Ayden, Elah, Ethan, Levi, Jasmine, Kyous, Brooklyn, Onika, Zenith, Madyson, Brianna, Jackson, and Maximus; and baby Easton who made her a Great Great Grandma (we called her “Triple G” after he was born); and her husband Douglas Schippmann.
Nan’s faith in God was steadfast. Her deep trust in God’s character and promises, even in challenging situations, was unwavering. One week before she passed away the hospital Chaplain asked her what she was going to do when she meets God. She replied that she was going to kiss him and hope he tells her “Well done loyal servant.”
To remember Nan’s life and celebrate the love she spread, we invite all who knew her to join us at Mt. Tabor Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1001 SE 60th Avenue, Portland, OR on Saturday, September 21st at 2pm, dessert reception following in the fellowship hall.