I'm so sorry for the loss of your lovely mom, and grandmother. I was actually trying to track down my 5th and 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Judy Ferguson. She would have been teaching in Vancouver WA during 1973/74.
Is this the same woman? She looks familiar in the pictures, but I can't be sure, especially with the mention of her being a nurse.
I'm sorry to intrude if it's not who I'm looking for.
What I remember the most about aunt Judy is that she gave the best hugs and was always smiling and laughing. Really felt loved whenever I was with her.