Tony Hawk‘s mother, Nancy, has sadly died at 94.
The 51-year-old pro skater confirmed the sad news with a tribute on his Instagram on Christmas Eve (December 24).
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“My mom died peacefully this afternoon after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. We watched helplessly as she slid away – mentally and physically – in rapid decline over the last few years. With each visit it became less likely that there would be any signs of recognition,” he wrote.
“Instead of dwelling on the painful disease that took her away from us, I would like to honor her with acknowledgement of the successes in her life: she grew up during the Great Depression, had two jobs by age 14, married my father after he enlisted in the Navy during WW2, and managed to raise four kids on a meager budget while providing us with plenty of encouragement and confidence to follow our passions. She earned her doctorate in business management at an age that most would choose to retire from work altogether. She was a surrogate mom and a beacon of warmth to many of my misfit friends with weird hair and difficult backgrounds.”
“My oldest sister recently found our mom’s ‘end of life’ wishes from when she filled out the form in her cognitive days, and her last two answers resonate: ‘How do you want to be remembered by others?’ Her response: ‘She was funny; adored life, friends, and family.’
‘Would you like any music, songs or readings at your memorial service?” Her response: ‘Hip Hop music might be nice,’” he went on to write.
“So if you knew Nancy Hawk or just want to celebrate her life with us, please raise a glass and play your favorite hip hop tune in her honor. Thanks for everything mom, we love you and we are thankful for your guidance. Before I forget: f–k Alzheimer’s, give to @hilarityforcharity.”
Our thoughts are with Nancy’s family at this difficult time. See the post inside…
