Raised in Salem, she graduated from Salem High School, then majored in bacteriology at Oregon State University. After completing a Med. Tech. program in Hanover, N.H. (one of the favorite years of her long life), she worked as a lab technician at Emanuel Hospital and the V.A. Hospital in Portland. She later earned a Master of Science from the University of Oregon Medical School (O.H.S.U.), where she also taught lab courses and did research in basic science throughout the ’60s and ’70s.

She married Paul Gerhardt in 1955 and had three sons. She led a full and active life which over the years included a host of volunteer and other activities, League of Women Voters, hiking groups, book clubs, FISH Emergency Food Services, tutoring at Portland Community College and Lincoln Middle School, French classes, a plethora of church activities and more. She loved travel, attending the symphony, family gatherings, animals, learning about her most recent computer gadget, and hearing about peoples lives. She will be especially remembered for her sly sense of humor, which she employed subtly and to great effect, her intelligence and her sweet smile. She touched many lives, connecting with many and lived fully.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Paul; and son, Paul Jr.

She is survived by her sons, Matt and Tom Gerhardt; daughters-in-law, Joan Gerhardt and Paula Lowden; brother, Richard Buren; and special people, Carl George and Susan Tornlof.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to FISH or West Womens Shelter (Salvation Army).

A service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2016, at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 3228 S.W. Sunset Blvd

Service

10:00am ,Saturday, June 4, 2016
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
3228 S.W. Sunset Blvd.