Remembering Nancy Nordhoff

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We have the saddest news to share today.

Nancy Nordhoff, one of Hedgebrook’s beloved founders, whose enormous philanthropic efforts went to make this world a better, kinder, greener, smarter, more equitable place, a place where women’s voices are heard and celebrated, died yesterday in her home on Whidbey Island. She was 93.

“She died peacefully at home in her bed, surrounded by flowers and candles, family and friends, and attended by our wonderful Tibetan lama, Dza Kilung Rinpoche,” said Lynn Hays, Nancy’s wife.

Nancy co-founded Hedgebrook, a writing retreat for women-identified writers on Whidbey Island, with her friend, Sheryl Feldman, in 1988. A graduate of Mount Holyoke College, Nancy understood how important it was for women to have spaces set aside just for them. Along with Sheryl, a writer who shares her deep personal commitment to nurturing women, supporting their vision and raising their voices, they turned 48 acres of cattle farmland into a writing residency where more than 2,000 writers have sojourned, free of charge, to rest, wander and write.

She is survived by her children, Chuck, Grace and Carolyn, her grandchildren, great-grandchild, and the many nonprofit organizations and efforts she created, inspired and supported.

We will be sharing more as we remember Nancy and her incredible contributions. We invite you to share your stories and memories of Nancy as well. Please click here and add to the comments.

More soon ❤️