The Shadow
On a chilly evening in February, Nancy Calhoun was finally freed of the bonds of an insidious disease and released into eternal life to re-join her husband, parents and sister, and while we mourn her passing, we also rejoice in the good news that she is free from pain and grief.
Nancy was born in Latrobe, Pa. to the late Earl A. and Martina C. Layton. She completed her education in Latrobe and the nearby town of Greensburg, then trained as a Registered Nurse for two years at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. During her nursing career, she met Garland E. “Buddy” Calhoun Jr. of Roanoke, and they were married on August 25, 1951. Nancy continued to work as a nurse until the birth of her first child, then began a second career as a mother and homemaker. She and Buddy moved to Clifton Forge in 1958, then to Pulaski in 1984, and she returned to Roanoke in early 2008 following Buddy’s death. A sister, Patricia Masley, preceded her in death in 1997.
Nancy was a consummate craftsperson who became involved with sewing, knitting, ceramics, stained glass, macramé and fabric painting. In addition, she and Buddy would take frequent trips to Williamsburg, where they especially enjoyed Garden Week. But one of the biggest joys of her life was her seven grandchildren, Kayleigh Joy Calhoun of Roanoke, Jessica Dillard of Rice, John Dillard of Richmond, Jennifer Rose of Lewisburg, W.Va., Jillian Rose of Radford, and Eric and Evan Rose, both of Hillsboro, W.Va. Anyone who asked her about the grandchildren was certain to get a lively – and lengthy – response. She would keep track of what each grandchild was up to, what grade each was in, what sports or other activity each was doing at the time, and make sure everyone knew how proud she was of all of them.
In addition to her grandchildren, Nancy is survived by her four children and their spouses, Garland E “Garry” Calhoun III and his wife Teresa of Roanoke, Colleen C. Dillard and her husband Gary of Rice, Constance E. Rose and her husband James of Hillsboro, W.Va., and Carol C. Withers and her husband Matthew of Elliston. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Paul A. Calhoun and his wife Joanne of Charleston, S.C., and several nieces and nephews.
Nancy and Buddy were together for 56 years, apart for two, and have now been re-united for eternity.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Roanoke, celebrated by the Rev. Msgr. Thomas Miller. The family will receive visitors at the church before and after the service. The family wishes to thank the wonderful people at Richfield Memory Care for their compassion and comfort. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) would be appreciated. Arrangements by Oakey’s East Chapel and Crematory, 540-977-3909.
Paid Obituary
