Nancy Lee Abel, who worked as the head of Clark’s production printing department for 30 years , will always be remembered by the Clark community for her easy-going spirit and generosity.
Abel passed away from natural causes on July 17 in her Ridgefield home. She was 79.
Offset Printer Operations Supervisor Jonni Hattershide worked under Abel from the day Abel arrived at Clark.
“She was not demanding, she was fair,” Hattershide said. “She was just a fun person to work with.”
Born in 1938 and raised in Corvallis, Oregon by Roscoe and Iris Headrick, Abel moved to Vancouver, Washington after graduating from high school. Despite the distance, Abel’s family was never too far for her to visit. Hattershide recalled the strong role Abel’s family played in her life.
“Her family was her passion … she would attend every birthday party, no matter how far away it was, she rode the train up every year to see her grandchildren on their birthdays, and on the holidays,” Hattershide said.
Abel was as consistent with her gifts as she was with her weekly hair appointments, Hattershide said, recounting the different holidays Abel would mail her family presents, down to St. Patrick’s day.
Hattershide said that Abel was dedicated to the college. “She ran this department for 30 years. She was well-liked and respected by everybody…She was very supportive of the college.”
A memorial service was held for Abel on the afternoon of August 14 at the Fort Vancouver Regional Library. There, friends, coworkers and family gathered to share fond memories of Abel and honor her past.
