Nancy Ann Irwin

Nancy Ann Irwin of Inkom, Idaho, a devoted teacher, artist, and beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on July 29, 2025, at the age of 89.

Nancy was born on January 2, 1936, in Toledo, Ohio, the sixth of Gaylord and Jessie Morgan’s eight children. A proud graduate of Waite High School, she initially expected to become a secretary or bookkeeper. But when a school counselor suggested she consider college and a career as a teacher, Nancy jumped at the idea. She enrolled at Toledo University (TU), pledged to the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, and earned her bachelor’s degree in art history in 1958.

While at TU, she began dating Dave Irwin from Holland, Ohio, who joined the Air Force shortly after they met. In December 1957, when Nancy was a senior and Dave had finished his time in the Air Force, they married, sharing 61 wonderful years together until Dave's passing in early 2019. The couple had two sons, David and Steve.

In 1960, she started as a full-time elementary school teacher, beginning a career that would span 35 years and take her and Dave from Ohio to Kansas City, Los Angeles, and eventually Fairfield, California. In 1995, she taught her last class of fourth graders, including her grandson, David III. In between, she was recognized by her fellow teachers as a warm and caring colleague and a model and mentor for those just starting their careers. For her hundreds and hundreds of students over the years, she was a kind and supportive teacher, particularly recognized for her skill in teaching reading, who filled her classrooms with creative art projects, “Quizmo” games, and an infectious enthusiasm for learning.

A lifelong artist, Nancy gradually traded her oil paints for acrylics, painting countless Christmas ornaments and crafts. In addition to decorating the homes and Christmas trees of friends and family, she started Nancy’s Country Collectibles with Dave, selling hand-painted wooden pieces and decorative pins to craft stores across the country.

After retiring, Nancy and Dave toured in their motor home, visiting historic homes, presidential libraries, and friends and family, as well as the occasional casino. An avid reader with a deep love of the country's history, Nancy read and reread books on the Founding Fathers and US presidents, often discussing her latest discoveries with her longtime book group in Fairfield, friendships she cherished long after moving away. She also continued to study her favorite artists and paintings, particularly the Impressionists and her favorite work of art, Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party.

In 2016, Nancy and Dave moved to Bakersfield next door to their son, David, and his wife, Millie. After Dave’s passing, Nancy moved with Millie and David to their new home in Inkom in 2023.

In her later years, Nancy enjoyed reading, coloring the works of the great masters, watching episodes of Downton Abbey and Dr. Pol, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, and sharing stories and playful humor with friends and family, most especially her beloved sister Peggy. She also enjoyed following the adventures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, scattered near and far, through FaceTime and Find My Friends.

Nancy is survived by her sister Peggy, her sons and daughters-in-law, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Rockville Cemetery in Fairfield, California, at 2 pm on Monday, August 11, 2025. Flowers and cards may be sent to Oak Park Hills Chapel, 3111 North Main Street, Walnut Creek, California 94597.

Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting the Guestbook below.