Cheers for volunteers.
Nancy Masters was born and raised in Los Angeles. She began teaching in the barrios of East Los Angeles and ultimately retired as a professor at El Camino College.
She married Loren, whom she has known from high school, and has two children, a son who is in Romania as a language consultant, and a daughter who has a printing shop in Los Angeles.
Nancy had hoped to own a bed and breakfast, and upon retiring in 1990, with the aid of a nephew in Bigfork, she found Whitefish. She was impressed by the friendliness of the people and describes a feeling that came over her that "this is home."
She soon opened her bed and breakfast and during its 10 years of existence made friends from all over the world. As a student, she had a minor in performing arts and is greatly impressed by the quality of available entertainment, but still looks forward to her regular Sunday night dinner and Scrabble with a long-time friend.
Nancy does many things for others. In addition to being a quilter and providing quilts to family and charities, she is a doll collector and her group supports families at Christmas. She is an active member of the Dirty Hands Garden Club, which provides the beautiful flowers at North Valley Hospital and the Whitefish Depot.
She joined the North Valley Hospital Auxiliary shortly after she arrived in Whitefish, and for the past four years has served as its president. Each week, she takes a turn at presiding over the gift shop. In her words, "I love to volunteer at the hospital. Everybody is great — just great." Nancy is gratified that she can give something back to the community, and cites volunteering as a wonderful source of friends.
Nancy, your helping hand and friendly manner brings comfort to others. Your flowers add beauty to our community, and you are much appreciated.
— Jake Heckathorn
This column is dedicated to those who give freely of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects, but whose efforts often go unnoticed. If you know such a person, please e-mail jheckathorn@centurytel.net.