Nancy N. Peerenboom

Nancy N. Peerenboom, 94, a resident of the Hillsboro passed away in her sleep Monday evening, September 12, 2011 at the Hillsboro Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hillsboro.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 23, 2011 at the Hillsboro United Methodist Church; 168 NE 8th Ave in Hillsboro.

Nancy was born on March 17, 1917 in Blaine, OR. She was one of two children born to Henry and Abigail (Whittlesey) Smith. She lived with her family in Tillamook until the age of 13 when she moved with her mother to Cornelius, OR. Nancy then attended Forest Grove High School.

She met her future husband, Julius "Jay" Peerenboom, while working at Birds Eye Cannery in Hillsboro. They married on November 7, 1940 and they made their home in Hillsboro.

Nancy was one of the first females hired by Mr. Fred Meyer and worked for him in Portland for several years. She was the first female grocery clerk at the first Safeway Store in Hillsboro. She was also the owner of San Gai Kennel; a business Jay and Nancy opened at their home in Hillsboro in 1959. Through this business grew a passion for Toy Poodles and they worked to improve the ethics in breeding and quality. Nancy had International Recognition for her dogs. Nancy had also spent considerable time fundraising and obtaining bullet proof vests for the K-9 units for police departments beginning in Washington County and then throughout Oregon, Northern California and Washington. Nancy had also provided three bullet proof vests for the staff at the Bonnie Hayes Animal Shelter.

Among her interests she enjoyed traveling to participate in dog shows. She had been featured on Television's "Animal Planet" for her work with the K-9 Units as well as her dog's entries at dog shows at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Nancy was a loving wife and mother devoted to her family. She is preceded in death by her husband Julius who passed away in 1986, a brother; Robert Smith and her parents.

Survivors include her two daughters and their spouses; Gayle and Thimothy Baker of Hillsboro, OR, Sandra and Michael Hickman of Lewisville, TX, a grandson and his wife; Scott and Michele Baker of Hillsboro and two great grandchildren; Virginia and Bryan.

The family suggests donations in Nancy's name to the Bonnie Hayes Animal Shelter.