Nancy Ann Wryn

Nancy Ann Wryn was born on November 22, 1935, in Portland, Oregon, the first of two daughters born to Franklin George and Deane Zelda Chaphe. She passed away on April 16, 2026, at the age of 90, having spent the majority of her life in the greater Portland area.

Nancy grew up in N.E. Portland and attended various schools across Oregon and Washington during her teenage years, ultimately earning her G.E.D. in 1953. After high school, she began waitressing at Ireland's restaurant, where she met fry cook and college student Jim Schlewitz. The two married in 1954 and welcomed four children, though their family was marked by the heartbreaking loss of an infant son in 1959.

Following her divorce in 1961, Nancy briefly pursued a career as an Alaska Airlines flight attendant before marrying Stanley R. Wryn, Sr. in 1962. Shortly after their marriage, she switched careers and went through training at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland to be a cardiology technician. She found this medical position fascinating.

By the mid-1970s, Nancy and Stan had channeled their skills into a shared calling with the nonprofit organization Craftsman for Christ, which was dedicated to building and remodeling churches with volunteer crews. Stan served as foreman while Nancy coordinated with subcontractors, though her most cherished role within the ministry was preparing hearty midday meals for the large Saturday crews. Together, they devoted forty years of service to this ministry.

Nancy had a variety of interests. She liked to collect southwestern art, vintage pottery, brass and glassware; all displayed decoratively for others to enjoy as well. She found joy in preparing delicious meals for family and friends. With holidays, family members always were presented with a beautifully set table. She was an avid collector of cookbooks and found peace in leisurely browsing their pages. In her later years, she discovered a deep joy in quilting, finding fulfillment both in the craft itself and in the fellowship it brought with other women.

As Alzheimer's claimed a little more of Nancy each day, she could sometimes be found softly singing "Jesus Loves Me" as a way to comfort herself. She became a beloved resident among the care facility staff, greeting their kindness with warmth — a grateful smile or a quiet thank you that told them, even then, she knew she was loved.

Nancy is survived by her three children, Daniel Schlewitz (Barbara), Julie Duris (Paul), and Andrew Schlewitz (Margo); five grandchildren, Kirsten Schlewitz, Lydia England, Emily Hart, Lauriano Mercado, and Stephanie Mercado; and six great-grandchildren, Jazmine Mercado, Xavier Mercado, Elliott Hart, Isaac Hart, Teo England, and Remy England.

A memorial service is being planned for the end of May. Details will posted here soon.