Nancy Elaine DeSantis Zauner

Nancy Elaine DeSantis Zauner loved Wife and Mother, passed quietly into eternity on June 10, 2024, at the age of 87. She was born on January 6, 1937, in LaGrande, Oregon, the third of six children born to Emidio Luigi and Bertha DeSantis. Nancy was raised in Silverton, Oregon and graduated from Mt. Angel Preparatory High School. Nancy met her future husband, James Zauner Sr., in high school as he attended Mt. Angel Seminary High School. Nancy and James were married January 7, 1956, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Silverton, Oregon. They bought a home in West Linn, Oregon and together they embarked on a loving journey of 68 years full of devotion, family, travel and living a joyful life. All her life Nancy was an active member of the Catholic Church serving in numerous ministries: Pastoral Council, Altar Society, school board and others. She was a charter member of the West Linn Riverview Lions Club where she was the Sight and Hearing chairperson. Nancy also volunteered in Civic groups and the West Linn schools. She was a lifelong volunteer, always helping others. Nancy is survived by her loving husband James Zauner Sr. She is also survived by her children: Teresa (Beach) Day, Karen (Randy) Clarke, Denise (Andrew) Gorman, James (Heidi) Zauner Jr. and Russell (Xandie) Zauner; her thirteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. Nancy was preceded in death by her daughter Nanette Cooper. Nancy’s life was filled with family. Every weekend was full of visiting parents, siblings, and their families. These times were filled with playing cards, games, fun and food. Summers always included camping trips to Oregon beaches and most with extended family. Nancy’s childhood memories included trips to the Oregon beaches, and she wanted her children and grandchildren to also make these memories. Nancy & Jim bought a cabin in Rockaway Beach to bring this dream to fruition. Holidays were always celebrated with large family gatherings. Nancy also had a lifelong love of sewing. She handmade many of her own dresses in addition to her six children’s clothing. She was proud to pass this skill on to her children. Christmas was a time to sew her children’s nightgowns and pajamas. She made her daughters’ matching dresses when little. This love continued onto baby blankets and clothing for her grandchildren and then great grandchildren. She continued sewing by making blankets for all the family. Join us to celebrate Nancy’s life on August 23, 2024, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 417 Washington Street, Oregon City, Oregon. A Rosary will be held at 11:00 am followed by Mass at 11:30 am and then a reception at 12:30 pm in the Parish Center. The service will be live-streamed to SJA YouTube: https://bit.ly/4cq6AbL In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation: www.olshf.org Or mail checks to: 1010 NW 22nd Ave. #144 Portland, OR 97210

Nancy Elaine DeSantis Zauner

January 6, 1937 - June 10, 2024