Nancy Savage

Nancy Lorraine Savage shrugged off her mortal coil on Sunday morning, April 3nd, 2016, just three days after her 80th birthday. She had been healthy and active but recently developed an illness that compromised kidney function and brought about a rapid decline. A strong and self-reliant individual, she spent her last week at home surrounded by her family, visiting with her friends and putting her affairs in order. She lived a good life and passed away with courage and grace, at peace with the world. Nancy was born March 31, 1936 to Don and Ethel Nelson in Chicago, IL, raised in Glen Ellen, IL, and in Euclid, OH. She met and married Carl Savage in 1957 while attending Kent State University. They made their home in Moscow, Idaho after Carl joined the Idaho Bureau of Mines and Geology. She was a homemaker and attended University of Idaho, completing a Master's Degree in Biology and later a Master of Education in School Guidance Counseling. Nancy was employed at the University of Idaho from 1960 to 1993 in various capacities related to scientific research including among other things, contributions to the establishment of Research Natural Areas throughout the state. A career highlight was when she identified a previously unknown species of aquatic insect living in a stream in Central Idaho. After retiring from the UI Office of Research, she continued to volunteer her expertise in projects related to aquatic ecosystems. An avid reader and lifelong learner, she traveled widely and was interested in natural history, art and social science. In recent years, Nancy was a leader and key member of the "Palouse La Treks" hiking association. Her map compilation of regional hiking trails receives high praise from members and has been distributed outside the association as well. Nancy's love of the outdoors was reflected in her wilderness advocacy as a volunteer with the "Great Old Broads for Wilderness." Always an artist and craftswoman, Nancy enjoyed creating unique multi-media collage work, exhibiting and selling her work locally and was active with "Palouse Women Artists". She enjoyed traveling with the Idaho Roadrunners, playing Mah-Jongg and a busy social life with many close friends. Nancy is survived by her sister Pat Toms (Jerry), of Dallas, Oregon, her three children; Elizabeth Stringer, (Bryant) of Pomeroy, David Savage, (Judy) of Moscow, Chris Savage, (Saretta) of Los Angeles; seven grand-children and six great-grandchildren. A memorial gathering will be held the afternoon of April 23, 2016 at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 420 E. 2nd St., Moscow. In lieu of flowers send memorial donations to the Latah Trail Foundation in her name. www.latahtrailfoundation.org Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and online condolences may be left at www.shortsfuneralchapel.net.