In Memoriam - Nancy Kirksey

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former Mayor Nancy Kirksey.

The first woman to hold office as a mayor in Woodburn, Nancy was a long-time resident of Woodburn and tireless active member of our community. Before serving as Mayor from 1986 to 1990 and 1994 to 1998, she also served on our City Council from 1982 to 1986.

Born in Maine in 1936, Nancy graduated nursing school in Florida in 1956, moved to Oregon in 1962 where she met her husband Loy, and together they moved to Woodburn in 1975. It did not take long for her to make her mark, as in 1977 she started Chemeketa Community College’s satellite program in Woodburn, worked to found the World Berry Museum, and campaigned for school bond measures. After leaving her mayor position she continued to serve the city on the Library Board for over 20 years, and she was a member of the Woodburn Kiwanis for many years, holding numerous positions.

“She was always interested in you the person, and once she got to know you she was very compassionate. She wanted to do things for other people, and stayed that way until she passed,” Kirksey's long-time friend Elida Sifuentez said. “Woodburn was Nancy’s baby. Her fingerprints will forever be all over the city.”

“Nancy loved the city and admired and respected all the people who lived and worked here,” said Mayor Frank Lonergan of Kirksey’s life in Woodburn. “Our city will be forever indebted to her for many of her ideas and projects. She was a good friend of mine who will be greatly missed.”

On behalf of the City of Woodburn, we offer our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Nancy Kirksey and thank her for her dedication to our community.