Obituary of Nancy Joyce Loughran

Nancy Joyce Loughran (née Rayder) was born on February 7, 1954 in Van Nuys, California. She grew up in Reseda, the fourth of five children. Nancy had a loyal dog named Tinker, who was known to follow her to school. She was a member of the National Thespian Society and a lifelong fan of the Beatles (at the age of 12 she got to see them in concert with her older siblings at Dodgers Stadium). Nancy graduated from Reseda High School in 1972.

On Christmas Eve in 1974, Nancy married John Loughran. Together they would raise three children and fill their family home with warmth, love and acceptance. Nancy attended beauty school and although she never worked at a salon, she became the family hairdresser. Nancy was dedicated to her family, hand sewing costumes and cooking nutritious meals. She played the piano, was a master gingerbread house builder, and made every holiday special and beautiful. Nancy drove countless, uncomplaining miles to take her children to school and other activities over the years ... She was a loving, patient and attentive mother.

In 1994 Nancy earned her degree in nursing from Lane Community College. She worked for 23 years as a nurse in ophthalmology, and made many life-long friendships with her colleagues at Oregon Eye Associates.

Some activities Nancy enjoyed were: going to the ballet and musicals at the Hult Center; visiting Yachats; quilting; sewing; knitting; and frequenting art museums, bubble tea shops and farmers markets. Nancy was a dedicated dog owner and guardian angel for all the family pets.

When she became a grandmother, Nancy wholeheartedly devoted her time, love and attention to her grandchildren. No other three children were ever loved and adored more completely by their Ama.

Nancy faced her breast cancer diagnosis as she did all challenges in life, with positivity and grace. Nancy passed away at her home in Eugene on November 11, 2022, at the age of 68. Nancy was preceded in death by her sister Judith Ann Rayder; her father Olynder “Ray” Wright Rayder; and her mother Rebecca Yvonne (Ellis) Rayder.

Nancy is survived by her: husband John David Loughran of Eugene; daughter Laurel Lee Loughran of Eugene and spouse Jason; daughter Emily Star (Loughran) Sinko of Eugene and spouse Stephen; son Owen Trevor Loughran of Seattle; brother William David Rayder of San Diego; brother Alan Olynder Rayder of Sacramento; brother Ronald Joseph Rayder of Phoenix; sister-in-law Vicki Lee Loughran of Irvine; and four nephews. Nancy is also survived by her three cherished grandchildren who will forever love their dear Ama.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at 11am on Friday, January 27th, 2023 at Musgrove Family Mortuary on Danebo. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Greenhill Humane Society and/or The Hult Center for the Performing Arts.