11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
On another glorious day in Coronado, CA, Nancy Oliver Hutchinson took her last breath in the community she loved for over forty years. She passed away on August 1st, 2018, surrounded by loved ones who marveled at her courage, dignity, grace, and humor in dealing with a long and devastating illness (ALS). Nancy was born in Pineville, Kentucky, during the winter of 1949 to Dr. Dalton S. Oliver and Mrs. Irene Manning Oliver. The family eventually made Baton Rouge their home where her father established the Oliver Eye Clinic. She attended Broadmoor High School and graduated from LSU where she was an active member of Kappa Delta sorority. Soon after, she obtained a master's degree from UNC, Chapel Hill. She began her teaching career in Baton Rouge. It was during a summer break from teaching in 1975, on a "road trip" to the West Coast, that she met a young Navy pilot who would become her husband for forty-two years. She and then Lieutenant Commander Tom Hutchinson were married a year later in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The following two decades held several moves across the country with the military. Nancy would always, "grow where she was planted," thriving in each new location, recreating a beautiful home for her family over and over. She always continued to teach in each new city. Nancy's vocation was also her avocation. She was an award-winning teacher whose career spanned over forty years in numerous states. Her pupils loved her. Using her unique brand of teaching that combined warmth, humor and a profound knowledge of the English language she would engage, educate and empower her students. She regularly received correspondence from students who had been in her classroom decades ago further validating the impact she had on their lives. Nancy lived her life with style, flair and intensity. Foremost in her heart was her family and close friends for whom her love was unconditional. She was an exemplary hostess whose home was the place to go for delightful company, great food and terrific parties. Notwithstanding the above, having satisfactorily "launched" her own daughters, her main focus was on her three precious granddaughters, Kira, Rose, and infant Margot to whom she was always GranNan. Nancy traveled extensively throughout the world and would occasionally join her husband during inport periods in the Western Pacific. On one memorable trip to Africa she visited the Maasai tribe of Olmoti, Tanzania, accompanied by close friends who had established a medical clinic and school in the remote area. She loved interacting with the students, and, understanding how greatly the health and education of girls can change their community and their country, she became an ardent supporter. A foundation has since been set up in Nan's memory to sponsor the secondary and college education of Maasai girls. Nancy is survived by her devoted husband Captain Thomas G. Hutchinson, USN ret.; brother Dr. Victor Manning Oliver; sister Lucy Oliver Scheffy; daughters Amy Hutchinson Jones (Matt) and Lucy Hutchinson Malugen (Jordan); and granddaughters, Kira and Rose Jones and Margot Malugen; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their children who eagerly anticipated her visits and the magical gifts she would invariably bring. She was preceded in death by her mother, Irene Manning Oliver; her father, Dr. Dalton S. Oliver; and her brother-in-law, Lee Cyril Scheffy. Visitation will be Friday, August 17th, 2018, at Resthaven Gardens of Memory and Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA at 9:30 AM until Memorial Services at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to the: Nancy Oliver Hutchinson Fund/OOC c/o Dr. Diane Raleigh, 1960 Centro West Street, Tiburon, CA 94920. This fund, in honor of Nancy, is dedicated to Teacher Education of Maasai Girls. Our One Community (OOC) is a 501c3 charity thus tax deductible. Receipts will be provided.
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Nancy lives on in our hearts and I think of her almost every day. A photo of her comes up on my phone numerous times during the week and while I don't need a photo to remember her by, it is so wonderful to bask in her smile again. Her scholarship student, Elizabeth, is doing well in college in Tanzania and Nancy would be so pleased with her progress. Just knowing that her name lives on is a comfort.
Susan Marrinan
Friend
August 6, 2022
Nancy was the best friend anyone could ever have. She was loyal and always there to help and give good
advice. She had a lovely laugh and smile that could lift your spirits and make the skies blue. Even when ill and suffering she always thought of others. She was one of a kind. She was the epitome of "friend".
Susan Marrinan
Friend
August 5, 2020
Beau Jordan
August 17, 2018
Amy and Family, So very sorry to learn of your Mother's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Evans Roberts, Jr.
Evans Roberts, Jr
August 14, 2018
What a wonderful legacy to have left for friends and family alike.May the family find peace and comfort from God above as you go through these days ahead.May all the wonderful memories be with you all
C S
August 14, 2018
TO THE HUTCHINSON FAMILY;
I am sorry to read of your great loss,
may GOD'S loving kindness comfort and help
you through this difficult time. PSALM 29:11
August 13, 2018
I am one of Nancy's former students (Clear Lake High School, a very long time ago). We stayed in touch for many years and even saw each other a few times. It breaks my heart to hear of her suffering and death. I will remain ever grateful for her warmth, graciousness, and ever-steady support. My deepest sympathies to Hutch, Amy, Lucy and her granddaughters. I know you were her world. How blessed were all who knew her--
Vicki Kemper
Acquaintance
August 13, 2018
Susan Marrinan
August 13, 2018
Our condolences to Amy, Lucy and the family. We will miss her and the memory of her charm will stay in our memory. RIP beautiful Nancy!
Patricia Leahy
August 12, 2018
A shining light has gone out.She will be missed by many.
Ann Solar
August 12, 2018
In addition to being a wonderful mother and grandmother, Nancy was a loving, loyal friend. She was always there when we needed her, with a smile, a hug, and encouraging words. She will live in our hearts and memory forever.
Susan Marrinan
August 12, 2018
Amy, I send my sympathies to you and your family. I found your mother to be very supportive during your years at UHS and she definitely was a lovely hostess! Hold on to the good memories and they will carry you through the hard times.
Carolyn Sessions
Baton Rouge, LA
August 12, 2018
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Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home - Baton Rouge11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
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Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home - Baton Rouge11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
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