Nancy Claybrook Carlson was born Nancy Leigh Claybrook to Franklin Dew and Priscilla Leigh Claybrook, on April 8, 1928 in Baltimore, Maryland.
The third of four children, Nancy joined sister Priscilla Jean and brother Theodore. Brother Robert joined the family six years later.
Nancy spent a happy childhood in Baltimore where she attended local schools. An excellent student and a naturally inquisitive child, Nancy excelled academically and athletically.
Upon high school graduation, Nancy enrolled at Radcliffe College, a women’s liberal arts college in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which later merged with Harvard University. At Radcliffe she began a course of study in English literature.
Just three semesters into college, Nancy met Robert Carlson, a Harvard graduate six years her senior.
In a letter written by Robert’s mother many years later, Nancy’s mother-in-law described how Robert had sold his blood in order to properly court the young and vivacious Nancy. Robert’s romantic efforts paid off, and on Dec. 29, 1948 Nancy and Robert were married.
After a honeymoon in Europe, where Nancy and Robert bicycled extensively throughout several countries (and included Nancy’s younger brother Bobby in part of their adventures), the couple set up house in Boulder, Colorado.
Robert began work as the administrative director of the Harvard Observatory in Climax, Colorado. With Robert immersed in his work, Nancy resumed her studies in English literature at the University of Colorado in Boulder.
In 1951, Robert’s work took the couple to Glendale, California. The family expanded with the birth of Nancy and Robert’s first child Robert in 1952, followed by Harvey in 1954. A daughter Martha, now known as Apieh, was born two years later.
Robert, a native Californian who was born in Santa Barbara County, yearned to return home. In 1959, when the opportunity arose for him to join forces with a partner and form Channel Technologies in Santa Barbara, he and Nancy seized the opportunity.
With the move from Glendale to Santa Barbara, a new chapter in Nancy’s life began.
Nancy and her family lived in a beautiful home in Hope Ranch. Nancy was an enthusiastic and energetic homemaker, wife, mother, gardener, chauffeur and more.
She strongly encouraged her children’s educational pursuits and athletic activities, supported local charities and organizations, and gave freely of her time, energy and organizational skills to a multitude of civic causes.
Nancy and Robert belonged to several social clubs, where Nancy participated in sports, recreation and healthful activities, always keeping busy and always staying physically fit.
During these years, Nancy also undertook to complete her education, earning her BA in English literature through correspondence coursed at the University of Colorado.
Referring to obtaining her degree after the setbacks happily caused by marriage and family, Nancy called it “the 9-year wonder.” This achievement was only one of many that would showcase Nancy’s ambition, intelligence and tenacity.
In the early 1970s when the duties of home life became less demanding, Nancy began classes at a Santa Barbara nursing program. On Jan. 1,1974 she was licensed by the state of California as a Registered Nurse, an accomplishment of which she was very proud.
She maintained her nursing license until the age of 82, believing if ever there was a local disaster, she would need to be licensed in order to best serve others during a time of crisis.
Nancy and Robert divorced in 1980. At age 52 the next chapter of Nancy’s life began. A catastrophic health event set her back but didn’t stop her. If anything it made her more determined to live life to the fullest.
In 2005 Nancy moved into the Edgerly Hotel, part of the Battistone Foundation. There, she lived and prospered, doing all she could for nearly 20 years to make newer residents feel welcomed and all residents feel at home.
In the month before her death, Nancy’s Edgerly family surprised her with a celebration of her 95th birthday with food, friends, music, presents, and birthday cake. A beautiful, bright and sunny presence at the Edgerly, Nancy’s passing has left a void that will not soon be filled.
Nancy passed into the loving arms of her Father on May 26, 2023 after decades of heart problems, but only a short period of severe illness. She entered Sarah House on hospice care on May 24, 2023 and passed peacefully on May 26. She was surrounded and embraced by friends and family in the final days of her life.
Nancy was predeceased by her siblings Priscilla Jean, Theodore and Robert. Her beloved son Harvey died in 1994, and beloved son Robert passed in 2003.
Nancy is survived by her daughter Apieh Claybrook of Lompoc, granddaughter Anwanur Gielow, grandson-in-law Ryan Gielow, and three great grandchildren Samona, Drew and Emmett of Buellton.
Nancy is also survived by several loving cousins and other extended family members, as well as hundreds of close friends she considered as dear to her as family. Her departure leaves an empty space in so many of our lives and hearts.
Nancy was extremely grateful for the care she received from her devoted and skilled physician of over 30 years, Dr. Elizabeth Kim, to the Battistone Foundation for her happy decades at the Edgerly, to the attentive and loving hospice caregivers at Sarah House and to her family at Hope Church for their unending love, support and prayers.
Upon her death and per her wishes, Nancy’s body was taken to USC Keck School of Medicine as part of their Anatomical Gift Program. Following USC, her remains will be placed in her family plot.
In Nancy’s memory, a plaque will be placed at a tree just outside the Edgerly Apartments Hotel, 105 W. Sola St., through the Santa Barbara Beautiful Commemorative Tree Program.
A Celebration of Life will take place at 1 p.m. July 1 at the Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara. Please RSVP by calling 805-682-6232, or by sending an email to celebrate@hopesb.com.