We found Nancy's Lioness spirit this past Monday! She is now helping us with our research with her sporty bling GPS collar. Her data will help scientists understand the transmission of diseases among wild animals and how to prevent animal-human conflicts during droughts. Nancy's legacy lives on.

Dear Rob, Kristen and Grandchildren;
I was so very sorry to hear of Nancy's passing last month!
As you know we were best friends for many years and along with our famous "foursome of ladies" (Ann Lusk, Nancy Goessling, your Mom and myself) had many adventures and trips together! I was remembering our Jamboree Camper days through the National Parks with you kids, Jeff and myself-Nancy and I had many laughs over that fun adventure!
I miss my friend! I love you kids like you were my own.
My entire family sends you love, peace and healing!
Many Hugs, Barbara

I came to know Nancy and Mike fifteen years ago, when we were brought together by their great love of Africa and its wildlife, and their singular devotion to the African lion.  We will miss Nancy’s inspirational wisdom, her keen curiosity about all things African, and her sunny, optimistic enthusiasm about Everything.  Lion conservation is about managing cattle, about which Nancy was a passionate expert, always ready to contribute insights and suggestions. Her generosity has been the mainstay of our lion conservation work and her support of Steven Ekwanga, one of Kenya’s most effective conservationists, has been critical to his professional development.  True to form, Nancy spent her last weeks in her beloved Masai Mara, Kenya’s most important wildlife area and lion stronghold, where she, Mike, and Steven were working to establish a lion conservation program.

We are terribly sorry that we can’t be with you today to celebrate Nancy’s life and mourn her loss.  Our thoughts are with Mike and her family, and she will always live on in our hearts. I will think of Nancy whenever I hear a lion roar or watch cubs gamboling about their mother.

Kristen & Rob,
I am very sorry to read the news of your Mom's passing.
She was a very dear longtime friend .
May she rest in peace .
Regards
Don Brown

We only met Nancy once via Zoom on a "virtual dinner" we organized with Mike during the pandemic. We did not have to be in the same room to see the special person Nancy was and why she brought so much happiness to Mike. May you be in a better place, Nancy. And Mike, so sorry for your loss. Sorry we cannot be there in person for the funeral, but much like our Zoom dinner date back in 2021, we'll be there in spirit. Sending you and your family our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.  Hope to see you again soon to hear about all the wonderful adventures you two had.
Love, Tiago and Anemone.

I could not believe it when I was told that Nancy was no longer with us. She had an enormous love of life and was in herself a force of nature. My first memory of Nancy was when Micheal brought her to Christmas dinner at my home to meet his family. We all knew then that this was finally the one for Micheal.    My last memory of Nancy was last year. I stayed at their home after Michael and I had gone to Disneyland to celebrate his birthday.   Nancy was bemoaning the thought that she could not longer go due to mobility issues.  I said "but Nancy you can go , they have mobility scooters now".  She then had this very mischievous happy smile and I saw out of the side of my eye that Michael had gone a little white.  And I had this sudden vision of Nancy zooming all over Disneyland with Michael running behind saying "Nancy slow down Nancy watch out for that --. "  Nancy you will be missed with love and many tears,  Lisa Breakey, Michael's sister

No boundary could hold Nancy back even on the African plains.  With cane in hand she dipped an illegal toe with Michael into the Serengeti as we travelled though Masai Mara. We'll miss you forever, but are confident that you are organizing things in the heavens.

Dear Mr. Smith and Family,
In times like these, words often feel inadequate to capture the magnitude of loss, but I hope you find comfort in the outpouring of love and admiration surrounding Nancy’s memory. Her spirit will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched, mine included. She had a remarkable ability to make others feel seen, understood, and valued—a rare gift in this world. 
I often reflect on the day I first met Nancy, standing at the intersection of my academic journey and her generous spirit. That day, she gave me more than just a business card—she extended a hand of support that never wavered. Her generosity in sending me and the reentry students at UC Berkeley to that Golden Bear game was just the beginning of a cherished relationship filled with encouragement, care, and friendship that only deepened over time.
Even across the miles, after I left California in 2021 to attend the University of Alabama, Nancy was a constant in my life. Every email, phone call, text message, and handwritten letter she sent reflected her thoughtful nature. When I lost my only child, my son, Jack Brown III, in 2022, Nancy's compassion reached that dark moment in a way that words alone could never describe. She had a way of knowing just what to say, and I will never forget how much her kindness meant to me during that period of overwhelming grief.
Nancy’s legacy is one of generosity, love, and joy. I will always carry her memory with me. I will always treasure the moments we shared—her infectious laughter during our conversations, her confident personality, and her quiet wisdom when I needed it most. Please know that she will forever be a part of my heart and life’s journey, and I am profoundly grateful for the privilege of knowing her.
I hope you and your family can find strength in each other as you navigate this difficult time. I, along with many others whose lives were made brighter by Nancy, are here for you, now and always.
With love and heartfelt sympathy

“The whole purpose of education in our lives is to turn mirrors into windows,” and you helped us do just that. We even held a raffle draw to add fun to our day at the Cal Bear game—all thanks to you. Your generosity made those moments possible and remain etched in our hearts forever.

Our Cal Bear Game committee members share a forever special bond because of you. The joy and unity we experienced that day will always remind us of your kindness and lasting impact on our lives.

Thanks to your generosity, these were the Cal Bear game tickets. It was such a special moment for all of us, one we’ll never forget. Your memory will live on through those experiences and the lives you touched, including mine!

Since the beginning of my undergraduate educational journey to my PhD program, you have been there for me every step of the way, offering unwavering support and encouragement. I love you for it, and your belief in me has been a source of strength that I will carry with me forever.

Nancy supported African lion research through UC Santa Cruz for the past decade, and we loved her energy and commitment to the future of lions. She will be missed here.

Last year Nancy and I got to be "Summer Sistahs" in Masai Mara. Her curiosity about African plants and animals knew no bounds! Here she is instructing the lead chef at our camp about his organic garden.  But our real mission every sunrise was to find out what the lion cubs were up to.  Nancy could sit for hours watching the antics of the cubs bouncing all around us, laughing with a thrilled, "Just LOOK at that face!"  The best thing that I ever told her was, "We don't have age spots...we're just turning into the color of lion cubs!"

Nancy was one of the most energetic, adventurous, kind and giving ladies I’ve ever know.  We had many fun trips together Aspen skiing, New York on her birthday and many more.  She will always have a place in my heart.  My sincere condolences to all the family whom she adored.

Deeply saddened by the loss of my guest, friend and mentor,no words to describe her but a strong and amazing woman

Nancy shared so much warmth and love with those of us lucky enough to share time with her!  We will always remember her hearty laugh, her big smile, and her thoughtful and sincere hand-written notes.   Nancy has left a beautiful legacy in her children and grandchildren, and will be sorely missed by all.  Sending a big hug to the family!

Nancy Lusk was a trustee at UC Berkeley for over 30 years.  She recognized the importance of teaching, research, and public service and the impact excellent public education has on young lives.  She will be missed at Trustee meetings and at UC Berkeley. Our warmest condolences go out to Mike Smith and Nancy's family. 
MiHi Ahn

I loved Nancy. I loved her compassion and kindness. I loved her joy and I loved that she could make me belly laugh over absolutely nothing. She was a force to be reckoned with and a great lady. I will miss you my friend.

I REMEMBER NANCY AS A FORCE OF NATURE.  ALWAYS OPTIMISTIC, ENERGETIC, ADVENTURESOME AND DEDICATED.
EVEN DURING THE LAST CHALLENGING YEARS OF HER LIFE SHE MORE THAN PERSEVERED.  THIS PAST CHRISTMAS SHE SPENT READING  CHRISTMAS STORIES TO THE CHILDREN IN THE ORPHANAGE IN MEXICO HER FAMILY HAS SUPPORTED FOR YEARS.  
THEN THERE WERE THE NUMEROUS TRIPS  SHE WOULD TAKE.
YES, I WILL REMEMBER HER LAUGHTER, HER  JOY, HER DIGNITY, AS SHE NAVIGATED THE CHALLENGES SHE FACED.  SHE TRULY WAS A FORCE OF NATURE.
FAITHFULLY,
DON KUTZ

Nancy was a dear soul whom I will sorely miss. She was a friend, a confidante, and a source of strength for me when I most needed her. I will always treasure her wisdom which helped ease my burden. Her courage to face adversity head-on was an inspiration to me.  
I have many fond memories of sharing books, breakfasts, scuba diving, kayaking, and her love of adventure.  She allowed me to live vicariously through the stories she shared of her many travels. Her generosity, compassion, and companionship were given freely and lovingly. There has never been a truer friend.
I feel very blessed to have known her. I grieve with you at the loss of your dear mother.

OBITUARY

Nancy Kathleen Lusk

March 17, 1943 – September 13, 2024

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Nancy Kathleen Lusk

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