Nancy Maryott-Capaul, 67

Nancy Maryott-Capaul, 67, passed away following heart transplant surgery on Monday, Jan. 26, 2015.

Nancy fought heart disease for many years, underwent several surgeries, and lived for the past three and a half years with an LVAD (heart pump). She spent eight months undergoing an experimental protocol to reduce antibodies which would allow her to have a transplant and which hopefully one day would result in treatments for many autoimmune diseases and transplant procedures. Even though Nancy knew halfway through the protocol that it would be a failure for her, she finished it with the hope that the doctor could learn as much from a failure and he could from a success.

All through this period she remained cheerful and positive, hoping some day to receive a new heart. On Saturday she got the call. She was terrified of the risk, but chose to go ahead with the surgery hoping for the best and that her success would lead to better knowledge of the transplant and antibody procedures needed to make many patients live longer and better lives.

Nancy was born in Colfax, Wash., and graduated from Central Valley High School. She raised three children, became an Army wife, and returned to the Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area when her husband retired. She worked as a paralegal for the U.S. Attorney's office and then for private attorney firms.

Nancy always wanted to graduate from college, and after attending whatever classes she could over the years she finally found the time to graduate from Eastern Washington University. She received her diploma just a few months ago.

Nancy leaves behind her husband of 46 years, Lewis Capaul; sons Tom Capaul of Cheney, Wash., Jason Capaul of Seattle, Wash., and Cameron Traxinger; sister Jamie Maryott, and brothers Dana and Glenn Maryott; three grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who will miss her. Her doctors and nursing staff named her a "Warrior Princess."

As to her wish, there will be no funeral service. Sometime in the future families and friends will get together to celebrate her life and the sacrifices she made.