Nancy Pinet Tilford

Nancy Pinet Tilford, longtime Portland resident, passed away on May 14, 2025. She is survived by sons Benjamin Gregg Tilford, of Vermont, and Barnaby David Tilford, of Portland, and three grandchildren. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 55 years, David Tilford, in 2024. She is also survived by sisters Rosemary Hartner of Arizona, Michele Pinet of Massachusetts, and Winifred Pinet of Michigan. Nancy grew up in Kansas and was a 1968 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Kansas with a BA in English. She later earned a M. SW from Portland State University, but she and David both remained lifelong devoted Jayhawks.

When the family moved to Portland in 1979 from Ann Arbor, Mi., Nancy embarked on a career that blended service as a social worker with committed volunteerism. She was a steadfast advocate for her clients, child and family welfare, and supported community-building and social justice efforts equally. For many years she taught English as a second language and could always be found supporting library needs in the public schools her children attended as well as in the community at large. She was a master gardener and created beautiful Northwest gardens everywhere she went. Her gardening group became lifelong friends. In 2018, she and David moved to Holladay Park Plaza, where they reconnected with the Northeast Portland community and friends from their early days in Portland. There, Nancy was active with the Healing Garden, was a writer and editor for the newsletter (and recorded an audio version each month for visually limited residents), was on the Library Board, and served for various charitable events at HPP.

Nancy was an adored mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Many of her friendships spanned decades. She was smart, funny, loyal, generous, and always ready to help. She had a radiant smile, a hearty laugh, a wicked sense of humor, and a twinkle in her eye. We will miss her very much and will remember her with great love.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Camp Ukandu, ukandu.org, the Library Foundation , 620 SW 5th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97204, and Northeast Emergency Food Program 245 S Bancroft St., Ste. B Portland, OR 97239.

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