Nancy Gail (Manderville) Johnson, 79, of Camas, Washington, passed away peacefully in her sleep, July 28, 2024, with family by her side. With seemingly boundless energy and a fiercely independent spirit, she offered an abundance of support, the occasional sarcastic quip and unconditional love to all throughout her life.
Nancy was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on Oct. 23, 1944, to Lyman and Arline Manderville. She grew up in Dedham, graduated from Dedham High School and attended secretarial school in Boston. Nancy married Frederick Becker Jr. and had two amazing boys, Fredrick and Gregory. Once divorced, she followed her best friend, Pat, to California, driving the entire way from the East Coast in a beat-up Ford Granada. There, she found the love of her life, A. Warren Johnson Jr., who became a true father to her sons. They were soon married. Together they created a loving environment in which to raise their family. Amanda, their daughter, came shortly after, completing the family. Upon Warren’s retirement from the U.S. Navy, they moved to Camas, Washington, where they built a warm, inviting home with a majestic view of Mount Hood.
Her love for her family knew no bounds; she would drop what she was doing with a second’s notice if asked. Her children knew, no matter what, she would be there. Once grandkids came onto the scene, being with them was one of her very favorite things to do.
Nancy was also a most dependable and loyal friend, readily looking to find the best in people, collecting true friends wherever she went.
She worked as an executive assistant for most of her career, but being a Navy wife held top honors. Always on the go, she was a voracious reader, bargain hunter and loved entertaining. She also had a heart for volunteering and was always finding new ways to help her community.
A part of many organizations, she was exceptionally proud to be a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and attended meetings at the Vancouver chapter.
She lived a full, wonderful life, surrounded by people who loved her.
Nancy was preceded in death by her father, Lyman, mother, Arline, and sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Art Tebou.
Survived by her husband of 44 years, Capt. A. Warren Johnson Jr., “My Love,” of Camas; her sons, Frederick (Suzanne) Becker and Gregory (Pamala) Becker, of San Diego, California; her daughter, Amanda (David) Baghdanov, of Vancouver, Washington; four grandchildren, Kyle, Tyler, Everlyn and Adaline; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Oh Nancy, dear mother, wife and true friend, you were most beloved, and you will be sorely missed!
Services will be held at The Church of the Good Shepherd, Vancouver, Washington, on Sept. 21 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund.
