Nancy Rose Westlund

Nancy Rose Westlund, beloved wife of John, mother of Kim and Brian, and grandmother to Amber and Jessie, passed away peacefully on February 18, surrounded by her love ones. 

Born in Waterloo, Iowa, she graduated from Drake University with a bachelor’s degree in education and a teaching credential. In 1965, she drove to California in her blue Pontiac Tempest convertible, embracing a new adventure. Soon after, she met her husband, John. They married in 1967 in Fresno, CA, and then a few years later moved to Sacramento where they settled in their home in Carmichael for 46 years. Nancy was a journalist for two newspapers, the Murieta Times and the Catholic Herald, and an English teacher at her most beloved school, Mercy High School for over 40 years. She loved traveling and visiting different parts of the world. She traveled to Europe by herself after college and then with John to explore Mexico, Costa Rica, Ireland, and Alaska among other countries. She enjoyed many family trips along the California coast and loved taking drives in her blue Pontiac Tempest and red Mustang convertible. In retirement, she spent most of her time out in nature, volunteering at Effie Yeaw Nature Center where she introduced young Sacramento children to the beauty of the American River. Nancy and John continued to travel and visit their friends and family. Nancy will always be remembered for her incredible strength, courage and beautiful soul.