Nancy Lee Arnautoff
May 19, 1957 - Sept. 3, 2017
Nancy Lee Arnautoff of Walnut Creek and Sebastopol, CA, died Sunday, Sept.3, 2017, from a head injury sustained from an accidental fall while walking her beloved dogs, Rose and Clover, at her summer home in Halfmoon Bay, B.C.
Nancy was the loving wife of Peter Arnautoff and devoted mother to her children, Sean Guilbault and Megan Granucci, and stepson, Paul (Jamie) Arnautoff. She was and will forever be “Nana Lee” to her precious and adoring granddaughters, Rhiannon Lee, Dylan, and Ava.
Nancy was born May 19th, 1957, in Vancouver, B.C., to Joanne Bernadine and Richard Fee Johnson (deceased). Surrounded by love and humor (with just a bit of teasing), Nancy grew up with four siblings, Jayne, Tim (deceased), Tammy, and Susie. Her extended family includes her sisters-in-law, Patty Walters and Marya Lux, and brothers-in-law, James Johnson, Damian Browne, and Steve Arnautoff. An enthusiastic aunt, Nancy embraced her niece, Olivia, and her nephews, Sam, Charlie, Eric, Michael, and Blakely with genuine attentiveness. With extended family and friends, above and below the 49th parallel, Nancy’s zest for life will be missed dearly by all.
Nancy attended Las Lomas High School and graduated from DVC. She began her 35 year career with PG&E in the field and became a certified welder. Nancy’s work ethic was exemplary from the start, and she quickly rose to management, retiring two years ago as a project manager for new construction in Santa Rosa.
Forever, Nancy will be remembered for her boisterous laugh, vivacious smile, and zest for life – not to mention her 5’10” stature, red hair, and Canadian sense of humor. Nancy was never without a home improvement project in progress, and her ability to fix anything gave her the nickname “Rosie the Riveter” by her daughter. She was extremely generous with her time and talents just the mention of a broken sprinkler, physical ailment, or canine question, brought her knocking at friends and family’s doors with tools, researched solution to the problem.
Her lasting relationships with her family and friends were strengthened during miles of hikes on treacherous trails, demolitions and retiling of kitchens and bathrooms, extensive strolls over hill and dale (with her dogs in the lead and her walking partners panting from behind.) With her husband, Pete, she ventured across the roadways and scenic byways throughout the west. Their boating adventures brought her pleasure in the waterways of the S. F. Bay and the B.C. Howe Sound. Solace can be taken knowing Nancy was in her element – she was healthy, living in the place she loved the best, remodeling her house to perfection, and sharing an abundance of love with her family, friends, and dogs by her side.
A Celebration of Life will take place in Northern California in late December or early January. Memorial contributions may be sent to -Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598.