Nancy Ann MacDonald Wald

11/02/1932 - 07/03/2020

Nancy Ann MacDonald Wald passed away peacefully on July 3, 2020, at the age 87. Nancy was born in Washington, D.C. on November 2, 1932. She is preceded in death by her husband, CDR William Gerhard Wald, US Navy, by her parents, Mary Catherine Rockwell MacDonald Terrell and Charles Sylvester MacDonald, her brother Charles Donald MacDonald and her sister Mary Patricia MacDonald.

Nancy is survived by her brother Ronald Steven MacDonald, her loving children: William Gerhard Wald Jr. and Stephen Craig Wald of Houston, Donna Lee Wald Herold of Portland, Jon Andrew Wald of Philadelphia, Mary Catherine Wald Camacho (Jared Camacho) of Columbus, and David Rockwell Wald of Dallas; 5 Grandchildren: Chad Steven Herold (Sarah Herold), LT Eric William Herold, U.S. Navy (Brett Nicole Herold), Bethany Leigh Herold, Carson Wesley Wald, Mia Ann Camacho; and 3 Great Grandchildren: Kyla Belle Herold, Cason David Herold and Elijah William Herold.

Nancy was known to many of her friends and family growing up as "Nancy Mac." When she spoke of growing up in Washington D.C. she evoked a living history book of marble edifices, cherry blossom trees and walking icons. Her father was manager of the legendary Willard Hotel. Her mother, small but strong, was a calm and loving presence whom she adored. As a young girl in the 1940's, she was often the only girl outside playing sports with her big brother Don and the neighborhood boys, beating them at every turn, while she and sister Patti shared all things girl. Most were quick to learn that she had a deep appreciation for every sport, rivaling even the most knowledgeable and devoted fans, especially in football and basketball. When younger brother Ronnie came along, she happily sharpened her protective side and mothering skills. In high school, Nancy traded her cleats and bruises for a megaphone and joined the cheerleading squad. She became class secretary and co-president of her high school sorority.

Upon graduation from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1950, Nancy, donned her white gloves and high heels and studied at Washington School for Secretaries, while later taking night classes at George Washington University. At age 19, she landed a job as Secretary for the Antitrust Division, was promoted to a secretary position at The White House, and them assumed her dream job as secretary to the Deputy Attorney General of the U.S. in the Department of Justice until 1955. Her beneficent boss, future Secretary of State William P. Rogers, referred to Mom in his letter of recommendation: "You have been most faithful and efficient in the performance of your duties, but, more than that, you have made a host of friends not only here in the office but among the visitors to the office by your thoughtfulness and charm." These words defined Mom throughout her life in whatever endeavor she undertook. Among the guests of Rogers' office were titans of D.C. including such as President Eisenhower and Barry Goldwater, who always pulled up his chair to her desk to visit. A favorite story of Nancy's is when she found herself sitting in her reception office with a group of solemn generals and senators. With her charm and good humor she sparked a conversation among them ending in a room full of laughter and warm engagement. As a freshman senator, John F. Kennedy commented to a colleague on her charms, but lost out to the allure of a Georgetown Law School student who swept her off both feet and whisked her away to his Midwest hometown--like Dorothy being transported from Oz to Kansas.

Nancy met Bill, the future love of her life, in 1953 on a blind double date. Little did she know the tall, blonde, blue-eyed, sweet and handsome naval aviator would become her loving husband. Nancy and Bill did not see each other again for six months, but ran into each other after a Catholic mass in the shadow of Ford's Theatre where Bill worked as a tour guide. Nancy loved to tell the story of how she saw Bill walking out of the church, and, as she hastened her step quickly towards him, she remembered his name just as she approached his side. Her smile and charm captivated him, casting a spell that launched a marriage of 60 years. They were quick to marry and build their family of 6 children; the crib had a "no vacancy" sign for 20 years. Nancy and Bill always knew they wanted 6 kids and Nancy would often say her children were the highlight of her life.

In family mode, Nancy stayed cheerful and carried on in Kansas City, Omaha, Houston, Indianapolis, and back to Houston. She could juggle like a master her many roles as mom, grandma, wife, secretary, cook, chauffeur, referee, tennis partner, housekeeper, nurse and friend. She was the envy of most, entering every room with a bright smile, a touch of class, usually seen around town in a stylish tennis outfit. She wrote so many checks at the supermarket they considered re-naming the store after her. Had Norman Rockwell extended his portrayal of the American Dream to succeeding decades, Nancy, an archetype of suburban bliss, would have been one of his most popular models.

Nancy and Bill were long time members of Prince of Peace and St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Churches of Houston. Nancy's religion was classic Catholicism, followed closely by tennis. She took on the role of President of the Wimbledon Houston Ladies Tennis Association. She was a hall of famer in the storied annals of her local Wimbledon Tennis Club, and amazed friends with endless matches in blistering Houston heat that few would have endured unless training for an actual Wimbledon title. Nancy loved to read from an early age, and wore out several bookmarks a year. She particularly liked historical fiction and perhaps knew as much about Tudor queens as a tenured Oxford history professor.

Two art pieces that were visual motifs in her home for decades reflected her nature. Like her Mary Cassatt painting, she projected a blend of elegant, dignified domesticity and nurturing motherhood, and, like the Madonna in her Michelangelo Pieta figurine, she was a constant and comforting presence. Most would describe Nancy as highly engaging, charming, outgoing and very witty. Laughter was always her favorite medicine. She went out of her way to make people feel at ease, appreciated, and loved. She was quick to make friends with everyone around her, and there was rarely a long pause during a conversation as she was a natural-born story teller-- especially when it came to her dearly loved children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Among her many gifts was her special gift with children. Though her own children were more often recipients of her kindness, she was also kind to other children when given the chance, especially very young children. Nancy's stories and bright light will live on in her loving family and in those whose lives she deeply touched and changed throughout her lifetime.

Rest peacefully, Nancy, our sweet, beautiful Mom. Your light will shine on for generations to come. You were dearly loved, and your loving presence in our lives will be greatly missed by friends and family. This world shines brighter for having shared your light.

______________

A smile that would light up the darkest night
Strength of character to always do what was right
Strong faith and love for family and friends
Generosity of spirit which knew no end

Her life will go on in the autumn leaves
in the summer wind, and on cold winter eves
In a quiet morning or at a long day's end
we will be seeing Nancy,
gracious loving wife, mother,
and very special friend

Frances Ousley Johnson

Visitation
A Visitation will be held as a private family event. Location: Klein Funeral Home at Champion Forest Drive and Louetta

Funeral Service:
Thursday, July 16th, 2020, Funeral Services in honor of Nancy Wald. Location: St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 7810 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, TX 77379. Service time is 11:00 a.m. Open to anyone who wishes to celebrate with us. Social distancing will be in use. Maximum attendance is 25% capacity. Please note that this service will be live streamed. Understandably during this time of a nation-wide pandemic, we know that your presence and attendance may be risky to you or your family.
In order to have you join us safely, we have made arrangements for the church service to be live streamed. This is in order to keep you safe at home and to prevent unnecessary travel for those who live out of town. We know that you will be there with us in spirit and we will be honored as you join us in celebrating our Mom's life. We invite you and we welcome you to join the family at the church service and a reception following. Please see information below.

Graveside Service: A private graveside service will be held following the service with immediate family only. Nancy will be laid to rest with her husband, Commander William G. Wald at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038

Reception:
Nancy's Celebration of Life Will continue with a Reception for family and friends later in the day, Thursday afternoon, July 16th, beginning at 3pm. This is an open invitation and will be held at the home of family friend, Laura Guzzetta, 2407 Hendricks Lakes Dr., Spring, TX 77388. This event is hosted along with Steve Wald. For information or directions, Please call 281-660-8197.

Donations:
In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored with any donation in Nancy's name to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
https://gifts.mdanderson.org.

Legacy.com:
Additionally, we would love to have you share your thoughts, stories, photos and memories of Nancy with the family and her friends on a special page open to anyone on the Klein website. It is located at kleinfuneralhome.com. Please share anything you feel that the family or friends would enjoy.

Thank you so kindly for the love and care so many of you have shown our family during this time. Please know that your thoughts and expressions of sympathy are of great encouragement to each of us as we transition thorough these changes.

Private Notes/Cards: I
Notes or cards may also be received for the family at:
The Nancy Wald Family
c/o Cathy Wald Camacho
5273 Fairlane Drive Powell, OH 43065

Due to Covid 19, the Funeral Mass will appear on live stream at the following link:

https://youtu.be/jdO8HL3Ep0A

As a reminder and again due to the Covid 19 pandemic, state and local mandates require masks to be worn in public places. Please make sure that you bring a mask with you to all functions.

Thank you