Obituary

Nancy Anne Bjerke passed away in her home (in her weaving studio) on September 19, 2021.  Nancy was struck with a brain tumor shortly after her 60^th birthday.  For this tumor there was no cure, only delaying death.  Nancy took this on with acceptance and a smile that did not leave her face for the balance of her life.

Nancy had a wonderful quality of being able to gather friends wherever she went.  And she went.  She was a spinner, weaver, knitter, seamstress, quilter, played ukulele and loved her cats. She never missed an opportunity to travel with some of her friends to retreats and trainings.  Anything fiber or ukulele got her the beautiful smile she was known for.

Her life was filled love from her family, friends, associates, and employees. Born in Clackamas OR on April 24, 1959 to Anne and Bill Sowles.  Nancy has been survived by Betsy Partridge, her one sister that loved her deeply, Jim Bjerke, her loving husband and Robert Bjerke, her son along with a pile of nephews and nieces.  She was devoted to all of her family and all of her family were devoted to her.

Nancy was the original owner of NW Yarns on Commercial Street in Bellingham.  Knit night actually started before the store opened in its current location.  She had a small space in the basement of the Bellingham Hardware Building for five years that was only open on Tuesday night, thus it became Knit Night with spinning and knitting.  Her goal was to create the best fiber arts store north of Seattle.  She did that and remained very proud of the store long after she sold it.  She was also a certified judge of fiber arts by the Northwest Regional Spinners Association, judging in county fairs, belonged to organizations like Spin Drifters, Skagit Weavers Guild, NWRSA and was happy to serve on boards and committees related to the fiber arts.

When Nancy’s mom needed care, Nancy sold her yarn shop and came back to work at Pacific Continental Realty.  As a co-owner she was allowed to adjust her schedule so she could spend time daily with her mother.  Nancy was the caregiver of the family and was able to see her mom daily, do her work in the family business and maintain an active life in the arts community, all with her signature smile.

Another life cut short by cancer, a life filled with love of people and the arts.

Services will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Moles Farewell Tributes – Greenacres, 5700 Northwest Dr, Ferndale, WA.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice Foundation and The Bellingham Food Bank.