Nancy Lea August; Descendant of Pocahontas

Nancy Lea August died Wednesday after a lengthy illness. She was 68.

August was born Feb. 11, 1930, in Everett, Wash. She was a 31-year resident of Ventura and a former student at both Ventura College and the University of Washington.

On her mother’s side, August was a descendant of princess Pocahontas. She was also distantly related to President Thomas Jefferson, her family said.

She spent many years as a child at Mission Beach on the Tulalip Indian Reservation in Marysville, Wash., where her grandfather had been the medical director and superintendent for all reservations in western Washington.

August donated several pieces of Native American memorabilia from northwest tribes to the University of Washington. She was also responsible for organizing ways to pass on to the Tulalip Tribal Council legends and language collections she had learned.

August was a member of the League of Women Voters, Friends of the Library and the American Legion’s women’s auxiliary. She was an advanced bridge player, her family said.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, retired local American Red Cross Executive Director Irving August of Ventura; a daughter, Virginia August of Freemont; two sons, Randolph L. August of Las Vegas and Curtis V. August of Longmont, Colo.; and eight grandchildren.

At her request, there will be no services. August’s ashes will be scattered at sea in Washington.

Memorial donations can be made to the American Red Cross, any diabetes association or to Friends of the Library.