Nancy Jennings Walton

Nancy Jennings Walton, a longtime resident of Walnut Creek, California, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, at the age of 99. Born on July 25, 1926, in the Philippines to Maurice and Norma Milburn Jennings, Nancy lived a remarkable and long life shaped by intelligence, resilience and an enduring life spirit.

As the daughter of a U.S. Army Colonel, Nancy spent her early years moving between various Army postings with her parents and younger brother. Her childhood was marked by unique experiences, including witnessing the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 as a 15-year-old at Hickam Field. She often recounted vivid memories of that day, including finding a bullet lodged in her bed - a poignant reminder of the events that unfolded. Following the attack, Nancy was evacuated to California with her mother and brother on the first naval convoy. They settled in Palo Alto while awaiting her father's return from the Pacific theater.

Nancy's academic achievements were extraordinary. Skipping two grades, she began college at Occidental College in Los Angeles at just 16 years old before transferring to Barnard College (Columbia University) in New York City. She graduated at age 19 with Phi Beta Kappa honors, one of America's most prestigious academic distinctions. She later pursued graduate studies in Psychology at Stanford University.

Nancy married Dr. William P. Walton and together they raised four children: Michael Walton (wife Maria), Richard Walton (wife Elsa), Stephen Walton, and Virginia Smith (husband Dennis). She was also a proud grandmother to Claire Walton, who followed in her Nana's footsteps academically, also earning Phi Beta Kappa honors. Nancy was predeceased by her parents; her brother Colonel Richard Jennings; her daughter-in-law Elsie Batten; and Neil Lascurettes, her longtime companion and partner.

Nancy enjoyed a long and successful career in real estate, where she earned respect and loyalty from her clients for her honesty, trustworthiness, and dedication. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she led a vibrant personal life filled with diverse interests. In her younger years, she loved traveling, hiking, playing bridge, and socializing with friends. A devoted sports fan throughout her life, she especially enjoyed watching her four children in their athletic endeavors, along with college and professional football games. Intellectually curious, she was an avid reader of fiction and loved to read her daily newspapers.

Nancy was an active member of her community and church, volunteering for many years as a greeter at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church and as a volunteer with Assistance League and Telecare, providing wellness check calls to seniors and other residents who live alone or are convalescing from an illness.

Her intelligence and resilience were matched by her toughness, sociable spirit and caring nature. Nancy will be deeply missed by her loved ones.

A graveside service for Nancy will be held at noon on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Oakmont Memorial Park & Mortuary in Lafayette, CA, followed by lunch at a nearby venue.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nancy's memory to "Meals on Wheels Contra Costa," an organization close to her heart.