Michele Nacy

 Michele Joan Nacy (Harju), a resident of

Gig Harbor, went to be with our Heavenly Father after a

courageous battle with cancer at the youthful age of 70, on

Wednesday, November 8, 2017.

Michele was born July 3, 1947 at Beth Israel Hospital in

New York City, New York to parents John Andrew Harju and

Bernice Chafetz-Harju.

A graduate of Golden High School class of 1965, and proud varsity cheerleader,

Michele attended the University of Colorado where she received her bachelor’s

degree. Michele continued her education at Troy State University receiving her

Master’s degree in International Studies and continuing to receive a PhD in American

History from Kansas State University.

Michele made a difference in the lives of her children, students and friends always

encouraging them to invest in their education, at very stage of their lives. Michele

believed that learning should be fun and it was essential for everyone to know their

history to ensure better decisions in the future. During her career Michele taught

many courses, including American History, International Affairs, Women’s Studies,

Native American Studies, and English at many universities including Kansas State

University, Pierce College (Outreach Joint McChord and Pierce County Fire

Continuing Education), Pacific Lutheran University, New Mexico Military Institute

(NMMI), Oakland University and finally, the University of Washington Tacoma

Campus. Michele was also a published author, when her dissertation was published,

“Members of the Regiment: Army Officers’ Wives on the Western Frontier,

1865-1890.”

A loving and dedicated mother, Michele’s greatest joy and passion were indeed her

four children and ten grandchildren. Michele is survived by her four children: son,

Loren Traugutt (44), his wife, Elisa, and their four children Tanner, Anneliese, Evelyn

and Brogan; daughter, Amy Traugutt Allan (41) and her three children Emily, Caedon

and Jonathan; son, Michael ‘Mickey” Traugutt (38), his wife, Stephanie and their two

children Tyler and Tessa; son, John ‘Jack’ Nacy (31), his wife Lauren and their daughter

Aria. Michelle enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, various hobbies and she

loved talking politics! Her favorite passion, later in life, was her absolute love for all

animals, especially her yorkie, Maggie, and cats Zoey and Snickers.

A memorial service will be held at the Chapel at Haven of Rest 8503 State Route 16

NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332 on Friday, November 17, 2017 at 10:00AM. In lieu of

flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Humane Society or Seattle

Cancer Care Alliance, as both organizations were very dear to Michele.

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