Nancy R. Moubray

One of our mother's favorite sayings was "this too shall pass". Now it finally applies to her. Our Mom, Wife, Aunt, Grandma, Great grandma & Great great grandma passed away very peacefully on November 2, 2024. So take a seat and let me tell a little about this amazing woman. It began in Aberdeen, Scotland on November 4, 1927. A little girl was born to parents, William & Annie Rae Smith. Now isn't that a riot? A last name of Smith in Scotland, however, our Grandfather was from England. Mother grew up with sister, Norah and 3 brothers. Albert who died in the war, Bill & Pat. She attended school until the age of 14. School was year round so she graduated early. She got a job as a window dresser for a well-known store called "Boots." A drug store, not shoes. She traveled around Scotland to work in the other stores decorating their windows Moving fast forward. In 1947, Mum and her best chum took holiday in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was getting close to tea time so they came upon a tea room. As they entered, the room it was crowded. It is a custom in UK that if there are occupied tables with empty chairs you could join the occupants. Mum's friend spotted such a table with 2 elderly ladies. However, my daring Mom spotted another table with 2 US Navy "Yanks". They hurriedly joined them. They all spent the day together showing the Americans around town. The Aircraft Carrier, USS Kearsarge was docked in Edinburgh as a good will appearance. As you probably gathered by now, one of those "Yanks" was our father. He invited Mom to a tour of the ship the next day. Gave her a pamphlet with all the details of the tour. Well our mother got a better offer for a date with an officer and didn't show up. After a couple of weeks, Mom's conscious was getting to her. She wrote a letter of apology addressing the envelope - Melvin Moubray c/o USS Kearsarge and by gum he got it. This started an 18 month love affair by writing only letters. Dad finished his duty in the Navy & went to Scotland to seek out our mother. He and Mom were married March 23, 1949. They flew to New York, saw all the sites. Dad had relatives in Rhode Island. He bought a car (1942 Nash) there and they drove across the United States (no freeways back then) spending 5 days on their honeymoon until they reached Wenatchee. Our father was born and raised in Wenatchee. Once arriving they purchased a house on Western Ave and have been there ever since. Mom had to leave her home because of health issues in 2022 to live at Blossom Valley Assisted Living. In April 1950, 1st daughter, Terri came along, then brother, Stewart in 1952 and finally a sister, Rosalie in 1954. Mom became a United States Citizen in 1955. Mom was a homemaker until we were all in school. She spoke to us in her Doric dialect which was mostly English words but some would have made no sense to anyone else. Example; ears were known as lugs, a wash rag is a clootie and when you are completely fed up with a situation, you are skunnert! These words only scratch the surface For spending money so she could go back to Scotland (hadn't seen her family in 10 years) she became an Avon lady. She then went to work for law firm, Hamilton, Lynch & Kuntz. Not a lick of experience as a receptionist but they hired she because of her Scottish brogue. Her last job was at the Washington State Apple Commission as a sales coordinator. She retired when she was 62. After retirement, her passion was her flowers and yard. Immaculate and very showy. She hosted several events over the years in her backyard. All the neighbors knew when Mom was working in her yard, she was either singing or whistling. Speaking of singing, she had an uncanny talent/memory. Mention one word and she can sing a song featuring that word. It was incredible. Our mother is survived by daughter, Terri Scott and #1 grandson, Jason Dorn. Stewart (Tonisha) and his 3 sons, Drew (Amy), Will and Matt (Ashton) and Rosalie Kozelisky (Kim) and her 2 daughters, Melanie Burlingame (Dave) and Lisa Hiatt (Keith). Also her only surviving nephews' & nieces in Scotland. Along with great grandsons, Brandon Dorn (Tay), Jack Burlingame, Isaac Hiatt, and Levi Moubray. Also her great granddaughters, Macie Hiatt, Ellie, Emma & Grace Burlingame and Paige Moubray. AND there is one more, a great great granddaughter, 2 1⁄2 year old Freya Dorn. Preceding her in death were her mother and dad, sister, brothers and her husband, Melvin Moubray. They were married for 57 years. He passed in 2006. She was one hardy, incredible lady who was loved by all. Her life touched so many. Mother loved horses. In her memory if you desire, instead of flowers, make a donation to the Alatheia Therapeutic Riding Center. 2170 Sleepy Hollow Heights Rd. Wenatchee, WA 98801. Make a notation of Mom's name. A Celebration of Life will be held at Chateau Faire Le Pont Winery located at One Vineyard Way (off Technology Way) in Olds Station on November 23rd from 1pm to 3pm. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.

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Nancy R. Moubray

November 4, 1927 - November 2, 2024