Nancy and Charlie were married 52 years, two months, and two days. Nancy remembers this time fondly as Charlie was a walking miracle for 33 of those incredible years. Charlie was diagnosed with Cardiac Sarcoidosis. A rare inflammatory heart disease that can cause a variety of issues from arrhythmia to complete heart failure. Having been told he only had 5 years to live at the time, Charlie decided to live life with his wife to the fullest. Despite the doctor’s warning and the nature of his condition, Charlie managed to outlive his prognosis by 28 years, even with the numerous years of defibrillators and pacemakers. Enough to make anyone crazy, but Charlie pressed on to stay with the love of his life.

However having lost both a sister and his mother this year, Charlie lost his battle with the disease and passed away. Leaving behind his wife and 5 sons, who were completely devastated. Such a loss is an incredibly difficult process that takes both immense love and time to heal properly. Even if we never heal completely, it does get better with time. Little reminders of where Charlie used to lay, feel absolutely devastating in Nancy’s journey toward healing.

As you can imagine, things have not gone very smoothly since Charlie’s passing. Nancy has both a son living with her and a furnace that has completely decided to quit on her. It has been a rather cold winter so far, not the kind that small electoral space heaters can properly combat. Things are already rough for Nancy as it is, so I am happy to say we can attempt to shine a light on such heavy darkness.

Thanks to Rogue Credit Union, and our incredible partnerships with the community, we are proud to announce that some holiday love is being sent Nancy’s way. Thanks to Pacific Air Comfort, Nancy will once again have a working furnace to stay warm this holiday season. Nancy also has a penchant for sewing and crochet, although it has been hard for her to concentrate since Charlie’s passing. That is why we have partnered with The Sewing Bee, to gift her a brand new Singer Elite Sewing Machine and accessories to help give her a bit of joy. Not to mention a gift card for both Sherm’s Thunderbird Market, and Fred Meyers, to keep her house supplied with food, and gifts this holiday season.

And Rob himself is giving her a gift card for any other fabrics or sewing equipment that can help ease the burden of the loss of a loved one.

Nancy, we are truly sorry for your loss, and we hope that this can help bring some peace and love to your family this holiday season