In memory: Nora 'Nadine' Stanhope '49

Nora 'Nadine' Stanhope '49, passed away in La Grande, Ore., on June 24 at the age of 93.

Nadine was born on April, 19, 1926  to Vesper and Minnie Brumbach in Milton-Freewater, where she grew up and graduated from high school. 

Nadine met her future husband, Leonard Kenneth 'Ken' Stanhope '51 while in high school.  Upon his return from service in WWII, they were married in Milton-Freewater on July 26, 1947. They moved to the Willamette Valley where they both graduated from Pacific University.

Her daughter, Heather Stanhope, tells this story, which Nadine Stanhope told many times: 

"After high school graduation, she reported to work at a Milton-Freewater produce packing house where she worked every summer.  As fall approached, her employer asked where she planned to attend college.  Because the family was of humble means, she had no such plans; but her boss questioned further, "Well, where would you go if you could?"  And, it is because of this thoughtful benefactor in her life that her tuition was fully covered and she went on to become a public school teacher, a career that she never strayed from. I have no name for this kind and generous man to offer to you, but he made such a difference in her life."

She began her teaching career in Vernonia, Ore., as a PE teacher; and after Ken's graduation they both began teaching in Pilot Rock, Ore.  In 1957, they moved to Pendleton and she continued as a business and typing teacher in Pendleton until her retirement in 1984.

Nadine and Ken raised their family — Steve, Dan, and Tempie — in Pendleton, teaching each to enjoy the wonders of the Pacific Northwest.  Upon retirement from their respective careers in education, Nadine and Ken remained in Pendleton.  They purchased a mountain property in Union County which became the focus of family gatherings and continuing adventures.

Nadine lost Ken in 1998, but is survived by her family: Steve (& Heather), Summerville Ore.; Dan (Micki), Spokane Wash.; and Tempie (Steve) Bartell, Imbler Ore.; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Ken, in 1998; brothers, Newton, Earl and Vernon, all of Milton-Freewater; and sister, Marjorie of Emmett, ID.