Caldwell (Koski), Nancy. Born 8/15/47.  Died 1/15/17.  

Nancy Elizabeth Koski, 69, a resident of Palo Alto, Calif., for many years, passed away peacefully at home following a long illness.

Nancy, the oldest of three siblings, was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., to Lieutenant Colonel Frank Caldwell (U.S. Air Force) and Alice (Haglund) Caldwell.

She spent her early childhood in Lookout Mountain, Tenn. As a result of her father's military career, Nancy also lived and attended elementary schools in Texas, Japan, and Hawaii.

Following Frank's sudden death in California in 1957, Alice Caldwell moved with her children back to her hometown, Duluth. There, Nancy received her middle and secondary education at West Junior High School and Denfeld High School. In high school, Nancy was a member of the National Honor Society, the senior class treasurer, and a pianist in the school orchestra. After high school, Nancy attended the University of Minnesota, Duluth, where she combined a double major in sociology and home economics with a minor in chemistry. While at UMD, Nancy met the love of her life and future husband, fellow student Randy Koski, who was from Cloquet. After graduation from UMD, they were married on Dec. 14, 1968, beginning a blissful and caring partnership that would thrive for more than 48 years. Soon afterwards, the newlyweds moved to California, arriving in Palo Alto on Jan. 1, 1969, where Randy began graduate studies in geology at Stanford University. In 1973 Nancy and Randy were blessed by the birth of their son Bryan, born at Stanford Hospital.

Soon after arrival in California, Nancy began working as a fundraiser in the Stanford University Development Office. She then attended graduate school at the University of Santa Clara where she received MBA and JD degrees. While obtaining her law degree, Nancy also served as Associate Editor of the Santa Clara Law Review. With this educational background, Nancy embarked on a long, successful career as a financial planner. In 1981, Nancy began a 35-year relationship with Lincoln Financial Services in the San Ramon, Calif., office under the guidance of her friend and mentor, Nick Horn. To better serve her clients, Nancy also earned Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant designations. For many years, Nancy provided financial services through her own company, Benefits, Financial, and Insurance Services, located in Palo Alto. In all her business endeavors, customer care was her highest priority. Nancy loved and valued her clients just like family, and they, in turn loved and valued her.

Nancy's many interests included art and classical music. She loved visiting the art galleries of Carmel and Santa Fe; large colorful canvases were her favorites. She was a superb pianist, and a piano in the house was an absolute necessity. Nancy was a gracious host and extremely talented in the kitchen where she prepared countless delicious dinners for family and friends. Nancy also loved to travel; she and Randy, often with son Bryan in tow, traveled extensively across Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, and the United States. They enjoyed cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Mediterranean, and across the Atlantic. Frequent trips to Carmel, the northern California wine country, and Cabo San Lucas with family and friends were especially memorable.

Nancy was a wonderful wife and mother, always there for us. One of Nancy's most endearing traits was her absolute selflessness. It was her passion in life to help and comfort others whether they be family members, friends, business clients, or strangers she met along the way. No visitor to her home ever left without the offer of something to eat or drink. In conversation, she was a careful listener, always reaching out to console someone in need. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and the many who experienced her unending generosity.

The family wishes to thank the amazing doctors and nurses at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and Mission Hospice and Home Care for their kind, passionate, and professional attention and care during Nancy's long illness.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, friends and family are requested to make a donation in Nancy's memory to a charity of their choice.

Nancy was preceded in death by her father and mother, Frank and Alice Caldwell; and brother, Hollis Caldwell.

She is survived by her husband, Randy Koski of Palo Alto; son, Bryan Koski and his partner Cristina Del Amo Casado of Seattle, Wash.; and her sister, Christine Caldwell of Chisholm.
Posted By: Administrator - 01-29-2017
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