Nancy Bockelie-Caddy

Nancy Bockelie-Caddy passed away Thursday, February 16th, 2017, at Life Care Center in Port Orchard where she and her husband, Joe Caddy, have been a residents together for nearly a year. Nancy had been suffering from congestive heart failure. She passed away peacefully with Joe by her side.

Nancy was born in Sussex, New Jersey to Howard Bunker Lee and Edith Lillian Lee. She was the middle child in the family with an older sister, Grace, and younger brother, John. When Nancy was two years old, her family moved to Easthampton, New Jersey, where she spent her early childhood and started school. Her father changed jobs, which brought the family to Raymond, Washington. After two years, the family moved to Salem, Oregon. Nancy graduated from Salem High School in 1951. After graduation, Nancy began attending Willamette University where she took pre-nursing classes. In 1952, her father got a job in Anchorage, Alaska and headed north with the family to follow shortly thereafter. In a snowy November after only having her driver's license for a couple of months, Nancy drove her mother and younger brother in their '49 Chrysler to Anchorage to reconnect with her father. Along the way, they only slid off the road once, and thanks to a passing Canadian Army truck who pulled them out, they were back on their way in no time.

In June of 1953, Nancy went to work in the personnel office of the Federal Aviation Agency (now Federal Administration Agency) in Anchorage. It was while she worked at the FAA that she met a young member of the Air Force who swept her off her feet. She fell in love with Norman Bockelie, and they were married the next year. In 1954, they moved to Marysville, California where Norman finished out his last tour at Beale Air Force Base. In the spring of 1955, they moved back to Norman's hometown of Bremerton. Nancy went to work as a receptionist and bookkeeper for various doctors in Bremerton. In 1971, while working for Dr. Robert Bright, she earned her certificate as a medical assistant.

Nancy and Norman had their first child in 1957, a daughter, Wanda Marie. In 1962, their second and final child, Eric Brian, was born.

In 1973, Nancy began her career at the Naval Hospital in Bremerton working as a budget analyst. In 1996, Nancy was awarded the third highest Navy civilian award, the Meritorious Civilian Service Award; recognizing her commitment, service, and contributions to the Navy. After advancing to the position of Budget Officer, she ended a rewarding career with her retirement in 1997. Nancy developed many lifetime friendships during her career at the Naval Hospital.

Nancy had always wished that she had been able to finish her college degree when she started in Salem, but it was not to be (at least then). While working full time, she returned to Olympic College and earned her Associates in Arts degree in 1982. Not satisfied with that, she continued on and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from City University in 1987. Nancy was very proud of her accomplishments, as was her family.

In March of 1992, Norman died from a very rare disease, Krutzfeld Jacob's Disease, after an eight-month battle. Nancy was at his bedside daily while he was in the hospital and then while he was in the nursing home...often before and after work until his passing.

In 1997, Nancy met Joe Caddy through a mutual friend, and joy came into her life once again. Their love quickly grew, and they were married in June of 1998. They lived in Joe's home in Tacoma until 2003, when Joe retired from his job at Kaiser Aluminum. They moved back to Kitsap County to be closer to Nancy's family and friends. Joe and Nancy were equally welcomed and loved by their new extended families.

Joe and Nancy travelled often. Besides road trips to North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin; they made frequent trips to Montana, especially Joe's hometown of Butte. They went on a number of different cruises; including Alaska, South America, and Europe. They loved life and loved each other deeply.

Nancy was a longtime active member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. She served on the church council for several terms, was active in Shalom Circle, the choir, altar care and acted as treasurer of the Women of the ELCA for many years. Joe and Nancy have many dear friends from OSLC. Nancy was a longtime volunteer for SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisor) where she helped clients navigate through Medicare and other health insurance questions and forms. Nancy enjoyed planting flowers in her gardens and in her flower pots on their deck.

Nancy loved to entertain and often times hosted events with family and friends. Family was everything to Nancy. She dearly loved her two children, five granddaughters and three great grandchildren along with Joe's children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Holidays, especially Christmas and Easter, were very special times for Nancy and her family.

In 2012, Nancy's daughter, Wanda passed away after a battle with colon cancer.

In December 2015, Joe suffered a devastating spinal cord injury and found himself confined to a wheelchair. He now resides at Life Care Center in Port Orchard. Shortly after Joe's admission to Life Care Center, Nancy's condition deteriorated to the point of needing full time nursing care herself. In an odd sort of way, this ended up being a blessing to both Joe and Nancy, as they were able to share a room until Nancy's passing.

Nancy is now at peace with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Nancy's memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday March 4th, 2017 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church located at 1015 Veneta Ave. Bremerton, WA 98337.

Memorial donations can be made in Nancy's name to Lutheran Community Services (www.lcsnw.org) or Our Saviour's Lutheran church (www.oslcbremerton.org).