Remembering Nance Van Winckel | Spokane News

Nance Van Winckel, beloved poet, teacher, and literary force, passed away at 74 after a battle with cancer — leaving behind 17 books, a legacy of wit and wisdom, and an indelible mark on Spokane’s writing community. A pillar at Eastern Washington University since 1990, she taught poetry, edited the literary magazine, and founded an internship program that brought creative writing to underserved schools. Her work, from “Pacific Walkers” to experimental “photoems,” fused compassion with craft, revealing deep humanity through language. Colleagues remember her as both a joyful mentor and a fierce artist who believed writing was like weaving — mastered so thoroughly you could forget it, letting pure expression flow. Her poems will echo on Spokane Public Radio’s “Poetry Moment” this fall — a fitting tribute to a woman who made words matter. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3913eab8b64d9494