Nancy Adams Dunbar, 79, passed away on June 6, 2025, in Greenbrae, California following a long, courageous battle with cancer. Born on January 31, 1946, in New Rochelle, New York, Nancy lived a vibrant and full life marked by deep connections to family, nature, and community.
Nancy grew up in Larchmont, New York, where she graduated from Mamaroneck High School. Her early summers spent working at the Newagen Seaside Inn on Southport Island, Maine left a lasting impression and became cherished memories that shaped her love for the outdoors and adventure. She also enjoyed summers spent in the borough of Woodmont, Connecticut at the summer cottage located on Dunbar Road, where she met her future husband George Peacock, who grew up a block away. The two later reconnected nearly 30 years later, eventually marrying in 2006 while raising their son Scott Dunbar.
She went on to attend both the University of Dubuque in Iowa and San Francisco State University in California completing two bachelor's degrees including one in chemistry. Professionally, Nancy was proud of her work at Chevron's refinery laboratory in Richmond. Her role there reflected her dedication and curiosity-qualities that defined much of her life. She brought the same energy and commitment to her personal passions as she did to her career.
Nancy found immense joy in the natural beauty of both San Francisco, Marin County and Mill Valley in particular. Mt. Tamalpais held a special place in her heart; its trails and vistas were among her favorite places to hike and reflect. She also loved exploring Yosemite and embarking on backpacking and rafting trips throughout the Sierra Nevada's. As a devoted member of Sierra Club hiking groups, Nancy formed lifelong friendships with fellow outdoor enthusiasts who shared her passion for nature's wonders.
Her love for the outdoors was matched only by her devotion to her son Scott. Whether cheering him on at little league games or enjoying his musical performances, Nancy was always his biggest supporter. Her own love for music found an outlet through choral singing with Singer's Marin across Marin County and even once at Carnegie Hall in New York City. She also delighted in attending San Francisco Giants games, both in San Francisco and Scottsdale, Arizona-a pastime that combined her love of sports with time spent among friends and family.
She built a wide circle of connection that included little league families, Sierra Club companions, coworkers from restaurant jobs in San Francisco and Maine (which gave her a lasting appreciation of the service industry), and extended family members who treasured her presence. Her warmth extended even to animals-especially cats. Over the years she cared for Pookie and Punkin during the 1980s and 1990s; later came another Punkin (a feral cat who adopted Nancy), along with Fuzzy Mom, Hoppy, and Roof Kitty. She also had a soft spot for Scott's dogs Penny-who passed away in late 2023-and Jack, who joined the family in 2024.
Nancy's personality was unforgettable-she was truly a character in every sense of the word. Known for speaking her mind with honesty and humor, along with a maverick tendency to take her time, she operated on what those close to her affectionately called "Nancy standard time." These quirks became beloved hallmarks of who she was: authentic, spirited, and unapologetically herself.
Nancy is survived by her loving husband George Peacock; her son Scott Dunbar and fiancée Emily Mecke; nieces Susan Wolf (with husband Paul Brodish and their son Henry Brodish) and Lynn Ellen Wolf (with husband Eric Braxton and their son Myles Braxton). She was predeceased by her parents William Dunbar and Carolyn Dunbar; brother-in-law Thomas "Tom" Wolf; and sister-in-law Patricia "Pat" Wolf.
May Nancy's memory bring comfort to all who knew her-and may Mt. Tam forever echo with the footsteps of one of its most devoted hikers.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on June 29, 2025, from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM at Fernwood Cemetery 301 Tennessee Valley Road. This will be a casual memorial with minimal formal speaking arrangements. Hors d'oeuvres and light refreshments will be available. In lieu of flowers, donations to Wildcare, Marin Humane Society, or The Marine Mammal Center, in Nancy's name are encouraged.