Nancy J Harbinson

Nancy passed away peacefully on January 31, 2023, at her home in Roseville, CA, surrounded by her family. She was born at Mercy Hospital in Sacramento, CA, on April 25, 1937, to Dr. Josiah & Theodora Harbinson. Two years later, her beloved sister Mary was born. Nancy grew up on 44th and M Street in East Sacramento, where she and her family began breeding and showing Dalmations, eventually incorporating dog acts into The National Dog Shows. She attended David Lubin & St. Francis Elementary Schools’ in Midtown Sacramento. Nancy continued on to St. Francis High School where she served as Student Body President, graduating as Valedictorian: became a Lifetime Member of the California Scholarship Federation: Manana Club of Sacramento, and was also a volunteer for Mercy and Sutter Hospitals’ Junior Auxiliary programs. She attended UC Davis & Sacramento State Colleges, where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education while also becoming the President of her Delta Sigma Nu Sorority. After graduation from college, Nancy then began her teaching career and retired from Sacramento City School District in 1987. Nancy’s philanthropic legacies also included Mercy Guild, River Park Mothers’ Club, Caleb Greenwood PTA President, Sacramento Junior Museum, and a member as well as past President of Chapter IP, PEO Sisterhood.

Nancy married Jack S. Duke and had four children; Christopher C. Duke (deceased), Michael J. Duke, Kathleen Duke-Flachsbarth (Robert), and Meggie Duke (Randy Dutton). Nancy is also survived by seven grandchildren; Anthony, Lindsay, Kevin, Alexandria, Nathan, Matthew, and Jonathan, as well as her great granddaughter AnnaBell.

Nancy considered gardening, decorating, reading, and puppies her most valued passions. Her adventurous side included door-bell ditching, roller-skating, and breaking windows while playing street baseball with her kids. Nancy was a lifelong lover of the ocean. She was raised at the beach in Rio Del Mar, CA, as a second residence. She enjoyed endless days in the sand and surf with her parents, her sister Mary, her children, and grandchildren.

Nancy’s greatest gifts in life were her kindness, generosity, compassion, and grace. The way Nancy’s nose crinkled when she smiled was truly one-of-a-kind and would light up a room. She had a gentle spirit and a heart full of love… She cared deeply for her family and friends, always making time to listen, support, and encourage. Her memory will live on in our hearts and the countless stories we share.