Obituary of Nancy Ellen Thoburn

Nancy Ellen Van Buskirk Thoburn (Age 81)

“Mom” “Nana” “Nan-nan”

Went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 17, 2017, surrounded by family in her Sterling, VA home after a short battle with bladder cancer.

Beloved wife of Carl L. Thoburn for over 60 years. Carl and Nancy were born in Ohio and met at church as young adults. They raised their three children in Arlington, VA and faithfully attended Arlington Calvary Church of the Nazarene.

Nancy was the 9th of 10 children born to Shirley and Bessie Van Buskirk.

Devoted Mother to Steven C. Thoburn of Cleveland, OH, Elizabeth Fitch (Osa) of Clements, MD and Anne Atwood of Herndon, VA. Doting grandmother of Carolyn Yamamoto (widow of Shingo Yamamoto), Rebekah Castro (David), Nikki Malig (Mitchell), Ginny Lovitt (Ty), Eowyn Frioux (Christian) and Nathaniel Fitch (Michelle Love). Her youngest grandchild, Christopher Atwood, precedes her in death. The ultimate joy of her life was becoming a great grandmother to Anika, Harley, Ema, Tobi and Penelope.

Aside from Motherhood, her greatest calling in life was teaching, from early elementary students at Fairfax Christian School and the former Christian Fellowship School to adults in her Sunday School class where she frequently ended her lesson in a hymn. She was a gifted teacher who brought the joy of learning to all of her students.

After her daily devotions, her favorite pastimes were music, self-taught to play the piano and guitar, singing in the choir and with family, sewing, gardening and celebrating the holidays with her family gathered together.

Visitations will be held on Friday, April 28, from 6-8 p.m. at Christian Fellowship Church and also immediately prior to the service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 29 at Christian Fellowship Church, 21673 Beaumeade Circle Ashburn VA . A Reception will immediately follow the 11 a.m. service.