In Memory

Nancy Jane Spicer - Class Of 1960

 

She was born on February 5, 1939, in Charlottesville, Virginia at Martha Jefferson Hospital, the daughter of the late William Ernle Spicer and Reva Jane Mahanes Spicer. Her parents, her sister, Virginia Shaw Spicer; and her beloved brother-inlaw, Jerry Allen Harris, preceded her in death.

She attended Cismont Elementary and Lane High School before graduating from Albemarle High School. In her junior year of high school she worked part-time for Dr. Swanford at the Allergy Research Lab at the University of Virginia. During her senior year, she worked at Woolworth's Variety Store. After graduating from Albemarle High School, she enrolled in a nursing course with 14 other students. At the completion of the two year program, only five students had completed the requirements-she being one of them. This launched her long nursing career of 32 years at Martha Jefferson Hospital, although her hospital training began initially under the direction of the Pediatric Unit at the University of Virginia. Through this training she gained experience in the care of handling tiny infants. To advance her skills she took classes in pharmacology, intravenous therapy and in coronary care. This allowed her to transfer to the medical and surgical floor where she spent 10 years. Her last stint at Martha Jefferson Hospital was in the then "new" wing (South 5) which was the orthopedic surgical ward. There she worked until she retired due to failing health. After enduring many of her own orthopedic surgeries she moved to The Cedars, a local nursing home, where she continued to try to help others by sharing her experiences in nursing.She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Cismont for many years before moving to The Church of Our Saviour in Charlottesville.

She is survived by her brother, William Ernle "Bill" Spicer Jr. of Blacksburg, Virginia; and her sister, Elizabeth Ann Spicer Harris of Charlottesville; a sister-in -law, Elizabeth "Betty" Markwood Spicer; two nieces, Jane-Ashley Harris Skinner and Angela Shaw Harris Durrer, and their children.

The family would like to thank Dr. David Chesler and his staff, as well as those who cared for her at The Cedars and at Martha Jefferson Hospital. The family would also like to thank the many other doctors who cared for her over the years and especially her friends.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2007, at the Church of Our Saviour on East Rio Road in Charlottesville with the Reverend Mary L. Staley officiating. Immediately following the service, the family will receive friends in the Parish Hall. Interment will be held at a later date at Grace Episcopal Church in Cismont, Virginia.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to the Martha Jefferson Hospital Foundation, 459 Locust Ave., Charlottesville, VA 22902; the Church of Our Saviour, 1165 East Rio Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22901 or to the charity of your choice.

Published in the Daily Progress from February 1 to February 3, 2007.

Obituary submitted by Sam Clarke.

 

Nancy Jane Spicer, 67, of Charlottesville, died Monday, January 29, 2007, at Martha Jefferson Hospital.