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Life story

"Nancy J. Purks, 77, of Washington DC, passed away at her home on Friday, February 28, 2025, surrounded by family and her caretaker, Drema J. Hough of Fredericksburg, VA who held her hand until she took her last breath.

Nancy was a free spirit and lived her life by her own rules. She loved cats and had several over the years and never let one go hungry. She was a massage therapist as well as a secretary. Nancy loved to make music and could play just about any instrument you handed her. Nancy met a companion in Spring Arbor Cottage of Fredericksburg, Howard N. Cornwell who had passed in 2022. Nancy had been living with Drema since 2022, there she gained an extended family that helped care for her and take care of her.

Nancy is survived by her sister, Patricia A. Purks Mackne; her brother, Robert A. Purks; nieces, Marie Hoover, and Colleen Mackne; grandniece, Marianne Hoover; and numerous cousins. Her extended family includes, Drema J. Hough, Nicholas and Stacie Hough, Addison Hough, and Richard Oliver Jr.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Maydelle Atkins Purks; and her father, Joesph A. Purks.

There will be no service per Nancy wishes.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mary Washington Hospice or any Dementia Foundation of choice. "