Nancy Elinor Coulter: A Life Well Lived

Nancy Coulter was a woman whose life radiated love, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to family, friends, and community. Her story is one of strength, compassion, and relentless service, a journey that began in humble beginnings and blossomed into a legacy that touched countless lives.
Born on January 9, 1944, in Chicago, Nancy’s early years were marked by uncertainty. As a child put up for adoption, she spent the first two years of her life moving between foster homes, never quite knowing the security of a stable family. But that all changed when George and Kay, a 40-year-old barren couple, adopted her. Their love and patience transformed Nancy from a little girl filled with insecurity and fear into the vibrant, loving woman she became. Nancy’s bond with her new parents grew so strong that they soon adopted another child, a newborn baby girl named Barbie. Nancy adored her baby sister, referring to her lovingly as “My Barbie” for the rest of her life.
Growing up, Nancy was musically gifted. She could play the piano by ear, had a beautiful singing voice, and learned to play the guitar. This creative streak, coupled with a deep love for people, would shape much of her life. When she moved to Canyon Country 56 years ago, she was a mother of three young children when she met her kind-hearted and handsome next-door neighbor, Cameron Coulter. The two fell deeply in love and married in 1973, beginning a 51-year-long marriage that was defined by mutual respect and devotion. Together, they raised three children: Scott, Dawn, and Heather.
Nancy’s professional and personal life was diverse and full of passion. She worked various jobs over the years, from freelance graphic artist to medical assistant, music instructor, and school librarian at the Sulphur Springs School District. But her real gift was in giving back. Nancy’s work with the local PTA, where she led after-school enrichment programs and taught classes in music, art, and puppetry, earned her a California PTA Lifetime Membership Award—a recognition that would be the first of many.
The most profound chapter of Nancy’s life began when her daughter Heather was diagnosed with cancer in her 20s. This heartbreaking experience propelled Nancy into a life of service with the American Cancer Society (ACS). Nancy didn’t just volunteer; she threw herself fully into the mission of supporting those affected by cancer. Whether it was passing out ACS brochures at grocery stores or organizing major events like Daffodil Days, Nancy’s dedication was unmatched. Her passion and determination helped turn Santa Clarita Valley’s ACS chapter into one of the top-performing in the country.
Nancy held countless leadership roles within the organization, from co-chairing events like Relay for Life and Daffodil Days to serving as a legislative ambassador and leadership council president. Her impact was felt in every corner of the community, earning her recognition as SCV American Cancer Society Volunteer of the Decade and countless other awards, including SCV Woman of the Year in 2009 and Zonta’s Carmen Sarro Community Service Award in 2018.
Yet, for all her accolades and achievements, what truly defined Nancy was her heart. Quite literally, she surrounded herself with hearts—she wore them on her clothes, collected heart-shaped objects, and even had a Christmas tree decorated entirely with hearts that stayed up through February for her annual Valentine’s Day party. This love for hearts stemmed from a poem written by Heather before her passing, assuring Nancy that their hearts would always be bonded through the beauty of nature—leaves, flowers, and clouds.
Nancy also had a special fondness for sugar cookies, Coca-Cola, and Santa Claus. Her family celebrated her passions by creating customized sugar cookies shaped like her favorite things,a including Coca-Cola bottles and Santa figures. Nancy’s love for Coca-Cola was legendary—she was rarely seen without one, always enjoying it with a straw. Even in her final days, she savored a Coke, calling it the best thing she’d ever tasted.
Her love for Christmas extended beyond cookies and Santa Claus. Nancy spent years volunteering to decorate Christmas trees for the Boys and Girls Club’s Festival of Trees fundraiser, a task she took on not only out of love for the holiday but also to indulge her Santa collection. This collection, started by her mother and later featured in the local newspaper, was a symbol of the joy Nancy found in the small, festive moments of life.
Above all, Nancy’s greatest joy was her family. She was a loving wife to Cam, a devoted mother to Scott and Dawn, a doting grandmother, and a proud great-grandmother. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and love, a testament to the life she built and the people she cherished.
Nancy Coulter lived a life marked by resilience, generosity, and an unbreakable bond with those she loved. Her legacy is one of service, love, and joy—a true “life well lived.” And while her presence will be deeply missed, her light continues to shine in the hearts of everyone she touched. 

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