Obituary of Nancy Ann Santos

Click link below for the Live Stream of the Memorial Service

Nancy Ann Santos Memorial Service

Nancy Ann Santos, 97, of Garden City, ID, passed away on October 24, 2023. She was born on September 26, 1926, in Oakland, CA, to her late parents Vinton Smith and Sarah Ray Funora. Nancy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Nancy was an accomplished seamstress who took great joy in designing and creating clothing for her family. From sewing school clothes and prom dresses to even Barbie clothes, her talent and attention to detail were evident. She also had a passion for gardening and landscape design, creating beautiful spaces for her loved ones to enjoy. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were particularly fond of the "secret garden" she meticulously designed for them.

In addition to her creative pursuits, Nancy had a keen eye for architectural design and enjoyed analyzing different styles. She even designed her own home, making it a warm and welcoming space for all who entered. Nancy excelled at formal entertaining and made every family celebration and event unforgettable with her attention to detail.

Christmas was a special time for Nancy, as she delighted in creating a magical display of Department 56 Dickens lighted Christmas villages. Her collection of detailed accessories brought joy to all who saw them. Her favorite gift to receive was See’s chews and nuts candies. She would insist on eating 2-3 pieces, sometimes even for breakfast. Nancy was known for her hospitality and would often offer spontaneous overnight stays to her family and their friends. No one was a stranger in her home.

Nancy’s marriage of 75 years to her loving husband, George Santos, was a testament to their mutual sense of humor and deep connection. They courted each other until the very end and celebrated their anniversaries with simple and intimate dinners by the fire.

Nancy graduated from Hayward High class of 44 in Hayward, California. She had a diverse professional career, having worked as a nanny, bookkeeper, and in various positions at a pharmacy and department store. She retired after 20 years as a bank teller, leaving a lasting impact on her colleagues and customers.

In her free time, Nancy enjoyed pursuing her hobbies, which included gardening, architectural design, sewing, and traveling. She found solace and joy in these activities, always seeking new inspiration and experiences.

Nancy will be deeply missed by her surviving family members, including her husband, George Santos, her son George Santos (Lisa), her daughter Beth Gossard (David), her daughter Peggy Herrera (Vernon), and her grandchildren Dan Gossard, Matt Gossard (Patie), Katie Gossard, Marisa Olson, Jason Herrera, Megan Turner (Marcus), Adam Gossard, Holly Herrera (Luke Day), and her six great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, brother, sister, and other beloved friends and family members.

A celebration of life to honor Nancy will be held at Summers Funeral Home in Meridian, Idaho, on Saturday, November 4, 2023. The compassionate staff at Summers Funeral Home has been entrusted with assisting the family during this difficult time.

Nancy Ann Santos will forever be remembered for her love, kindness, and devotion to her family. Her belief in "family first" will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished in our hearts.