NANCY HOPKINS BIERBAUM, 84, a longtime Pullman, WA resident, passed away Sunday, August 4, 2013 at home following a brief illness. Nancy was born August 31, 1928 in Aurora, Illinois to Eugene & Helen (Kirkpatrick) Hopkins who farmed outside nearby Yorkville, IL. Later when her father transferred to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Nancy attended Eau Claire grade school and high school, graduating in the spring of 1946.
Nancy proceeded to attend the University of Illinois following high school graduation, initially specializing in architecture, but later transferring to Landscape Architecture & City Planning; graduating in the spring of 1950 with honors and her Bachelor of Arts degree. During her time at the University of Illinois Nancy was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority.
Nancy met her future husband, Bill Bierbaum, at the university in 1948. Following their graduation they were married in August of 1950. During her early marriage years, Nancy worked part-time as a draftsman at the University of Illinois. They moved to Pullman, WA in 1953 where Bill began a position at Washington State University. Here she raised their oldest son, Bruce, and gave birth to their younger son Keith.
The family later moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Bill was employed and Nancy held the position of Assistant to the Director of International Programs, putting her in contact with International Student wives from around the world. She was involved with this from 1958-1975.
In the fall of 1975 Nancy & Bill returned to Pullman where Nancy served as secretary of the Gladish Community Center Board during its early years. She also helped establish the Pullman Quilting Club and served as a clerical & secretarial employee in various departments at Washington State University. Nancy retired in 1991 and she and her husband traveled extensively; visiting places in Europe, South & Central America the Caribbean & the South Pacific.
Anyone who spent time with Nancy soon discovered that she was fascinated with people and truly felt compassion for anyone in need. She loved to laugh and garden. She had a tremendous effect on those who spent time with her. She was particularly proud of being a longtime member of P.E.O. and of Simpson United Methodist Church.
Nancy is survived by her husband Bill of Pullman; her two sons and daughter-in-laws Bruce (Laura) in Jensen Beach, FL; Keith (Judy) in Albuquerque, NM; five grandchildren & two great grandchildren.
As Nancy had requested, cremation has taken place. A memorial celebration service is tentatively planned for December of 2013. Her ashes will be interred in New Mexico. Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman, WA is caring for the family.
Goodbye to my beautiful wife & our wonderful mother. May she rest in peace.