Nanette Bagley

On November 23, 2021 our mother Nanette Bagley transitioned to her Heavenly Home in the loving arms of daughter, Jodi. With love and support from children Becky and Erik, along with Kimberly (caregiver turned adopted daughter) Jim Manley, Sally and Rick Richards, and Duffer Pal Dwight, Nan lived comfortably in Post Falls and Coeur D’Alene areas for 26 years. When God made our mother, He broke the mold. She was one of a kind.

Nanette Lorene Bagley was born July 16, 1937, and grew up in Berkeley, California. She was the first child of Norma Provis Bagley and first husband Albert. Two sisters, Barbara and Connie, joined Nan. Their mother raised them with love and music, as did their mother’s extended Provis family and dear friend, Chet Lawrence. 

After graduating Berkeley High School, Nan married Glen Richards, a PhD student. She laughingly declared she spent their early marriage gaining her degree PHT (Putting Hubby Through). Throughout her lifetime she proudly spoke of Glen’s research efforts in the field of Biochemistry benefitting people’s health. Nan was also proud of their children Becky, Erik and Wendy in Berkeley. She also found fulfillment in teaching Hatha yoga and meditation.

Glen’s work took the family to Strasbourg, France where they lived for 2 years. They enjoyed traveling to Switzerland, Italy, Denmark, Finland, Norway, England and Scotland.

After this family moved to Texas, the marriage ended and Nan married the love of her life, Martin Apelman. Soon after their daughter Jodi was born, they relocated to Coeur d’Alene which Martin recalled as being the most beautiful place he had ever seen. Martin and Nan spent many happy years in CDA. Martin was a Julliard trained pianist, whose talent was appreciated at First Baptist Church in Coeur D’Alene and later as Head of Music Department at North Idaho College. After Martin’s sudden death in 1986, Nanette raised their daughter by herself.

Nan loved Entertaining, Seasons and Events. Summertime picnics. Thanksgiving. Christmas lights. Fireworks. Birthdays.  Weddings. The best were her family's visits. They enjoyed adventures, like exploring mountain roads with the wind in her hair. Memorable was an Alaskan cruise.

Nanette was an active member at First Baptist Church in CDA. She was an avid reader, especially enjoying spiritual books. Her favorite book was the Bible and she loved God.

She enjoyed coloring and photography. She used to enjoy swimming and attending dances at the CDA Senior Center. She recently wrote and published her first book: “House on the Hill”, a tribute to her New Zealand friend, Margaret Southhall. 

She delighted in listening to classical music, love songs, church hymns and watching favorite movies, soap operas, Lawrence Welk, English Comedies. Nan had a contagious laugh and a silly sense of humor.

Nanette loved all her friends, referring to them as “Forever Friends”. Each and Every Neighbor and manager Harold at St Vincent de Paul Meadow Glenn in Post Falls became her extended family. With them she enjoyed spending holidays, spreading cheer, writing cards to her neighbors, talking and hearing about their families, drinking root beer floats, eating popcorn. She loved and always prayed for them. Bless you all, love Nan.

Nan was so gratefully appreciative for literally everyone and everything.  On behalf of Nanette, who didn’t complete all of her thank you cards, our family extends that gratitude to those

who helped our Mom live in her cherished apartment. Dr. Lindbladt and Dr. Shau. Caregivers Amy, Laura, Summer, Susan. Post Falls Fire Department, Food Bank, Home Instead, Meals on Wheels, St. Vincent De Paul, Kindred Care, Life Care Center of both Post Falls and CDA, Access Care, Kootenai Hospital, Prestige of the Orchards in Lewiston.

Nan joins husband Martin and daughter Wendy. She leaves behind sister Barbara, children Jodi, Erik, Becky,  6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Remember when you see a rainbow, a butterfly fluttering, a magenta pink sunset you will see Mom. Until we meet again “Somewhere over the Rainbow”. Her last words, “Love is the greatest gift”.

In the Lake Coeur d’Alene area, you’ll find on the large memorial boulder at Tubbs Hill are etched the names Martin and Nanette Apelman.

Celebration of Life to Follow.