A Heart for Community

Nancy Simpson didn’t intend to leave a legacy, she just wanted to pass on her love of swimming.

Nancy’s Y story began at the Blaisdell YMCA in the early 1980s when, as a single parent, she knew her children needed to learn to swim. Determined to make that happen and also teach others, Nancy became a certified swim instructor.

Soon Nancy was teaching others the freedom and joy of swimming, and her children, Nicole and James, were able to enroll in Y swim classes. Nicole and James also got the opportunity to experience other programs: Y camp, Adventure Club and many after school activities.

Dedicated and loyal to the Blaisdell YMCA to this day, Nancy has made it her life’s work to support the Y’s mission. Her volunteer work with seniors and her recent establishment of an endowment fund are just the latest.

“The Y has always been there for my family,” Simpson said. “Even through a cancer diagnosis, my ‘second’ family was there for us and provided so much support which we are grateful for.”

This year, Nancy established The Nancy Leigh Simpson Endowment Fund for the Blaisdell YMCA to support individuals and families who want to be a part of the Blaisdell community but don’t have the financial means.

“The Y accepts people for where they are in life and supports them throughout their journey,” Simpson said. “It is my hope that the Blaisdell Y always exists—that it never goes away. The community needs it so badly. It is my honor to give back just a small token of what the Y has given me.”

“Nancy is instrumental to the Blaisdell team and we have been blessed with over 40 years of servant leadership to the Y.”

Mary Britts, Vice President of Operations & Blaisdell YMCA Executive Director