Nancy Farwell Leman

Surrounded by family, Nancy (Farwell) Leman passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on January 14, 2022.  Born and raised in the communities of Chicago’s North Shore, she attended the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and Tulane University.  

In 1948, Nancy married the love of her life, Craig Billings Leman, and they moved to the Boston area where she taught in elementary schools and he trained as a surgeon.  In 1957 they moved to Corvallis with their growing family which eventually numbered six children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandson. 

Nancy took great joy in being a mother and was superb at it—and not just with her children, who knew to share her with the teens and young adults that she and Craig welcomed as residents of their large house.  Every family member and friend (especially any who were ill or down on their luck) felt her warmth and support.  She also threw herself into household management, and gardening indoors and out (qualifying as a master gardener). 

Somehow Nancy also found time to teach English composition, English for international students, and children’s literature in the Department of English at Oregon State University; and to serve in the Faculty Senate, as head of OSU’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors, in assisting and hosting international students, and providing daycare so that their spouses could learn English.  

Nancy also volunteered with a seemingly limitless range of other organizations such as the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis (including as President), Senior Services/Meals on Wheels, the League of Women Voters, the BP chapter of PEO, one-on-one tutoring and reading books aloud to elementary school students, and as a member of the City of Corvallis Board of Parks and Recreation.  

Nancy Leman adjusted bravely to widowhood, continuing a generous and fulfilling life.  She is dearly missed by grieving family and friends.  AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home (www.aasum-dufour.com) hosts a website where specific memories about Nancy are welcome and needed.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Meals on Wheels, Chamber Music Corvallis, Chintimini Music Festival, or the charity of your choice.