Nancy Letterneau

Nancy Ellen (Bennett) Letterneau passed away on December 15, 2025, after confronting a long illness with courage, grace, strength, and dignity.

Born on November 11, 1951, at the US Naval Hospital in Oceanside, California, Nancy was raised in Reseda. After graduating from Grover Cleveland High School in Northridge, she pursued studies in radiologic technology at various institutions, embarking on a career in health care at the Veteran's Administration and soon transitioning to Kaiser Permanente.

Nancy could converse about any topic under the sun-or into the cosmos. She maintained her intense curiosity and prodigious memory until the end. As kids, she and her siblings would quiz each other about what they learned in their World Book Encyclopedia, coining the term "omnologist" for those who knew something about everything.

Nancy traveled extensively and had a flair for collecting items of beauty and whimsy, whether at home or abroad. Her discerning eye and generosity contributed to her knack for finding "the perfect gift". She had a particular fondness for collecting cats, frogs and toads, and could be spotted on the road by her personalized license plate TOEDMBL (TOAD and FROG were already taken). Her collections of M&M dispensers and Disney memorabilia were legendary.

Nancy had a long career at Kaiser. She was a mentor to many and an advocate for her colleagues. She delighted in brightening the day for patients and coworkers alike by wearing lively scrubs, themed earrings and bringing sweet treats to the halls of healthcare. When she returned as a patient in her final years, she meticulously decorated her walker and bags for each holiday season.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents, Vernon D and Anna (Sten) Bennett and many beloved dogs, cats, turtles and a rabbit. She is remembered with love by her brother William Bennett (Nancy Martin), sisters Susan McLean and Melissa Graham (Harry), and by many dear friends whose support meant so much to her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.