Nancy Harris Fraser
March 26, 1933 – November 13, 2015
Nancy passed from us surrounded by family, on November 13th in Walnut Creek. She spent her final days visiting with friends and family. Over the past several months she received loving home care from her husband Alan and son Scott.
Nancy was born at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley as the only child of Bill and Julie Harris. Her childhood was split between Berkeley and Siskiyou County. She graduated from Yreka High School in 1950, and headed back to the “big city” having gained admission to U.C. Berkeley.
At Cal, Nancy majored in International Relations, was an active member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, Mortar Board, Prytanean, Torch and Shield, Cal Club, Women’s Judicial Committee, and served as a Junior Class officer. Her life changed forever in her junior year, when she met Alan Fraser while campaigning door-to-door, as part of a Political Science class project. Their subsequent first date commenced a lifetime of love and commitment, spanning nearly 63 years. They married after graduation in 1954.
Nancy worked for Shell Oil in Emeryville from graduation until the birth of her first son in 1957. Three more sons followed over the next ten years. The young family thrived on Oakvale Avenue in Berkeley before moving to Lafayette in 1969, where she ran the homestead with grace, love and perseverance. During those years, Nancy volunteered for many good causes, including Acalanes High School, Alta Bates Hospital, the Lindsay Wildlife Museum and the Cal Class of 1954’s 35th Reunion Committee. (Cal’s North Gate was their proud achievement.)
Nancy enjoyed many things about the world around her. She particularly loved the natural world, having spent much of her childhood in rural Northern California. Her love of the Marble Mountain Wilderness was passed to her sons and grandsons, as it was passed to her by her father. She and Alan were able to travel the world together, a world that she made a bit smaller by being host mother to a German exchange student in 1980, and by hosting other friends and acquaintances from Europe and Asia.
Nancy was an avid reader, an amazing cook who prepared countless delicious meals and goodies, and a creative person who made many wonderful handicrafts for family and friends. In addition, she enjoyed entertaining, gardening, walking, hiking, studying French, swimming, playing tennis, and bridge.
Nancy was a tireless volunteer, a devoted and considerate friend, a wonderful mother and grandmother, and a loving spouse. She will be missed by all who had the fortune of knowing her.
Nancy was predeceased by son Andy. She is survived by Alan, her sons Bill (Janet) of Lafayette, Tom (Jeri) of Bear Valley, and Scott of Lafayette - as well as her shining lights, grandsons John and Sam.
A private family burial service was held in Yreka on November 20th. A Celebration of Life for family and close friends will be held in Contra Costa County in December.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Nancy’s name to Futures Explored of Lafayette or to the Lindsay Wildlife Museum of Walnut Creek.