Nancy Jackson Freese Brown Millsap died Jan. 21, 2011. She was born March 28, 1928 in New Haven, Conn., to Carl and Dorothy Freese. She was a proud member of DAR [Daughters of the American Revolution].
In 1949, Nancy graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a B.A. in history. In 1950, she married Broadman Brown and raised five children in Seattle and then Pasadena.
Nancy was very active during her amazing life. She was president of the Junior League of Pasadena, 1968-1969; director of Field Services for the American Cancer Society, 1972-1977; and associate manager and director of the Volunteer Services of the American Red Cross from 1978 until her retirement.
On June 25,1977, she married Robert Millsap in San Marino.
One of Nancy’s proudest moments was to perform in the opening ceremonies of the 1984 L.A. Olympics. It was a cast of thousands and she loved the experience.
In 1989, Nancy and Bob moved “up to the Hill” to Idyllwild. They tried to retire, but never really wanted to — they were more active than ever. Nancy served on the Friends of the Idyllwild Library board, was a docent at the Idyllwild Area Historical Society museum, was very involved with her sisters at P.E.O. [Philanthropic Educational Organization], and was a trustee emeritus for the Idyllwild Arts Academy. Most important to Nancy was her service to her church, St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church, and her Idyllwild way of life.
Bob passed away on June 7, 2005. It was a huge loss. In 2006, Nancy moved “off the Hill” to Mt. San Antonio Gardens in Claremont. There she had friends she knew and made new friends.
If you had the experience of knowing Nancy, you, in some way, always smiled about that experience. She would have liked that. The family wants to thank everyone for their kindness and support.
Nancy was preceded in death by her brother, Earl Gates Freese. Nancy is survived by children, stepchildren and grandchildren: Tyler and Leslie Brown (Brandon, Meghan); Carey and David Lipscomb (Josh, Christine); Whitney and Robin Brown; Wendy and Arvid Molitor (Paul, Gates); Matthew Brown; William and Connie Millsap (Kendra, Kristan); Robert Millsap III; Peter and Giffi Millsap (Aiden); and Julie and John Munnerlyn (Ivy and Rosemary).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Red Cross or Idyllwild Arts Foundation. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February, 12, 2011, at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, 830 West Bonita Ave., Claremont, Calif., (909) 626-7170. A reception will follow. A private graveside service will be held.
