AUSTIN, Texas – Nancy (Wilcox) Wales, 45, went home to the Lord March 24, 2009. Nancy was born May 28, 1963, in Houlton, one of seven daughters to Jasper and Masako Wilcox. Nancy graduated from Houlton High School in 1981. She attended the University of Maine, Orono, and graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in education. She lived and worked in Clearwater, Fla., and Austin, Texas. At the time of her passing, she was employed as a software developer in the IT division of the Department of Child Protective Services, Austin, Texas. Nancy’s biggest passion in life was for dogs. She was a trained volunteer for Austin Humane Society, where she was actively involved in the rescue of many dogs in need of a helping hand. Nancy often traveled back to Maine to visit family. She loved the outdoors and had a special connection with Bar Harbor. Her trips to Maine always included time spent there. Nancy always had a smile and a laugh to share with anyone who needed one. Her no nonsense view of life was a constant source of strength to those around her. Her loss will leave a void in the lives of her family and friends. Nancy married Robert Wales in Houlton in 1992; they resided in Clearwater, Fla., then moved to Austin, Texas. Even though they eventually parted ways, Nancy considered Rob a close friend, and they remained committed “parents” to their beloved dogs, Buck and Scout for many years. Nancy leaves behind her loving parents of Houlton; her devoted sisters and their families, Janet and Haruhiko Murakami of Cary, Susan Haney of Arlington, Va., Becky and Marty Perkins of Sunapee, N.H., Shirley Lowery and Skip MacDonald of Dedham, Amy Haney and Dean Gardiner of Hodgdon and Liz and Ed Gruszka of Weymouth, Mass. Nancy was the beloved aunt of Norman Lowery, Keenan MacDonald, Joe and Tom Perkins, Jocelyn and Amanda Haney, Maya and Haley Gardiner and Caden Shaw. She will be greatly missed by her extended family, Uncle Joe, Uncle Ben, Aunt Flossie and many cousins. Nancy also leaves behind her loving partner in life, Tim Cronin of Austin, Texas. Tim was a huge source of support and comfort to Nancy for years, as he is now to her family. Nancy loved her dogs, Sherpa and Ally, and they will remain with family in Maine. Nancy will also be missed by many good friends and colleagues in Florida and Texas. Nancy was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Sherman and Florence Wilcox of Houlton; her maternal grandparents, Kiyoshi and Kio Kaiga of Japan; and a nephew, Ryan Wilcox of Houlton. Friends and family may visit 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at Bowers Funeral Home, 10 Water St., Houlton, where funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday, with the Rev. Steve Staubel officiating. A late spring interment will be at Wilcox Cemetery, Cary Plantation. Those who wish may make a donation in Nancy’s memory to Austin Humane Society, 124 West Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752, Houlton Humane Society, P.O. Box 548, Houlton, ME 04730 or a rescue shelter of your choice.
NANCY MAY WALES
