Nancy "Bossy" Irene Estep

Nancy Irene Estep passed away on March 12, 2022 while living at Tierra Rose. One of her favorite aides Cinthia was with her when she passed. She was born to George and Jane Poulsen in California on February 10, 1939. She was the oldest child and had one brother the late Jack Poulsen. She later moved to Oregon with her late husband, William Estep.

Nancy was proceeded in death by her youngest daughter Sandra Pool and her stepson Michael Estep. One daughter, Karen Carlson from Keizer, Oregon and one stepson William Estep III, survives her. She has five grandchildren, Clarissa, Elizabeth, and Becci all from Salem, Oregon and Crystal and AJ from Albany, Oregon. She has 17 great grandchildren. Mercedes, Keith, and Brandy from Texas, Cain, Arial, Anthony, Yesenia, Hector, Leotie and Zeek from Salem and Kiera, Kailey, Kaitlyn Brionna, Karma, Harlem, and Roman from Albany.

Nancy lived in a mother-in-law’s house that was on her daughter Karen’s property. The house was a converted barn. Therefore, she received the nickname “Bossy” cow. She loved the nickname and had a plaque made at the state fair that said Bossy’s cow barn. Her favorite aides at Tierra Rose, Cinthia, Rocky, and Victoria (Pixie) nicknamed her Nana. Her beloved aide’s names were in a special tablet and only those aides on the list she would allow to care for her. The aides said she taught them many things about how to care for elderly and enjoyed their time with her.

Nancy’s family teased she must be related to Wimpy, the famous Popeye character. She loved hamburgers and no matter where we went, she would always order a hamburger. To quote the famous Wimpy, “I will gladly pay you on Tuesday for a hamburger today.”

When Sandra and I were children, our family owned a station wagon. We also lived on a street that was full of children. Anyone that wanted to and could fit was welcome to go with us. No seatbelts were required back then. Fighting over who would sit in the rear facing seat was just part of the fun of loading up. We would go to parks, swimming pools, and great movies like a Planet of the Apes marathon that required all the neighborhood kids to call home and explain why hours later we were still not home.

Later in her life, Nancy worked helping the elderly and people with disabilities. She was a great companion to the people she helped and would help them with their daily needs like grocery shopping and housekeeping chores. Later when she retired, she enjoyed going places like the state fair, to the coast and other fun places. She loved animals of all kinds. We would go to the places like Bandon and Winston to see wild animals. On one trip, we were able to help feed lions and bears.

Services will occur at Johnson Funeral Home 134 Missouri Ave, Salem, Oregon on March 25 at 10:00 am with graveside services to follow at noon at Lee Mission Cemetery. A celebration of life will occur at Calvary Baptist Church 800 34^th Ave. SE, Albany, Oregon on March 26 at 11:00 am. If you have, any further questions please contact her daughter Karen Carlson.