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Gloria Nadine Daniels, 93, of Centralia, Washington, passed away at home on April 8, 2026. In recent years, Nadine set a personal goal of becoming the longest-living member of her family. After being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in 2024, she was uncertain she would reach that milestone — but earlier this year, she did.
Nadine was born Aug. 20, 1932, in Seattle, to Edward and Anna Walters, the youngest of four siblings. Many of her formative years were spent in California as her parents struggled to find work during the Great Depression. Some of her fondest childhood memories were of life in San Francisco, playing on a championship softball team, purchasing fresh sourdough bread with her mother at the wharf, riding the cable cars, and stopping to eat pork noodles on her way home after school.
The family eventually returned to Washington, where Nadine graduated from Centralia High School at the age of 16. In high school, Nadine was active with the school newspaper and editor of the yearbook. Her keen eye for detail was practically legendary. The ultimate proofreader, Nadine could instantly spot typos on everything from restaurant menus to news stories.
One of her earliest employers was the Fox Theatre, where Nadine operated the concessions bar, cashiered and even wore a sandwich board outside to advertise the latest films. Ever industrious, at the same time she worked as a dental assistant for a local dentist, Dr. Jerome Whistler.
On Aug. 10, 1950, Nadine married James “Jim” Daniels — an event that may have saved his life. While he was home on leave for the wedding, Jim’s unit unexpectedly shipped out to Korea. When he returned to base in Alaska, his fellow soldiers were gone. Tragically, the unit was nearly entirely lost in battle the following month.
As the wife of a soldier, Nadine spent much of the 1950s and 1960s nurturing her growing family while moving to Alaska, Colorado, Germany, Georgia and California. The family eventually returned to the local area and settled in the Boistfort Valley.
From 1979 until her retirement in the mid-1990s, she worked at KELA/KMNT, recording hundreds — if not thousands — of commercials, public service announcements and “Best Buys.” Her voice became a familiar and trusted part of daily life throughout the community. Unfortunately, thyroid surgery partially paralyzed her throat and permanently damaged her golden radio voice.
Nadine invested deeply in others, guiding young people for many years as a Girl Scout leader and Sunday School superintendent. Her many contributions to the community included volunteering as a literacy tutor at Centralia College, serving on the board of Assured Home Health Agency (Visiting Nurses), and actively participating in the local chapter of Zonta International, where she contributed in many ways — from operating the gift wrap booth to serving as chapter president. In every role, she strengthened community ties, supported youth development and modeled a lifelong commitment to service.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, her siblings and many cherished family members and friends. After her husband’s passing, Nadine sold the family home and returned to Centralia for the final chapter of her life. There, she stayed active and engaged — traveling with local tour groups, enjoying live theater at Evergreen Playhouse and Centralia College, gathering for monthly lunches with high school friends, helping organize bingo games, playing pinochle, and attending Mountain View Baptist Church.
She is survived by her three children, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy that spans generations.
Nadine will be laid to rest beside her husband at Forest Grove Cemetery in Tenino. In honor of her specific wishes, no memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Forest Grove Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 338, Tenino, WA 98589.
