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Nancy Kelly Obituary
Nancy was born in Riverside, Ca where she attended Glenhill High School. After graduation Nancy desired to be a medical assistant. But, her life took a different path when she became one of Playboys famous centerfolds on February 1968. Her photo was so popular, she received (9) duffel bags of mail from the boys in Vietnam the following month. Her Playboy appearance led to a modeling contract with the famed Mary Webb Davis Agency. Nancy appeared in several films and commercials and did extensive print work. Nancy was a member of SAG .
That same year, she started a career in the fashion industry which continued until her death.
Nancy's fashion career culminated in her own showroom collection (Priorities) at the California Fashion Mart and as a road representative for some of the most prestigious jewelry lines in the US. Her jewelry lines were sold in Nordstrom, Sak's Fifth Avenue and Macy's.
Along with being a world traveler with her husband Michael, Nancy at the time of her death, was president of the Centerfold Alumni association which cares for former playmates in need with Hugh Hefner as a donating member. Her other charities include being a contributing member to the Max Strauss camp for boys in Southern California and she was active with the traveling Vietnam Memorial for veterans.
Nancy was a ray of sunshine and will be missed by family, friends and fans the world over. No one ever met Nancy who didn't fall in love with her.
Memorial services will be held at Holy Cross Mortuary Chapel, 5835 W. Slauson Ave. Culver City, Cal 90230 on May 30th at 11:00 am with a reception following at Four Points Sheraton Hotel, 5990 Green Valley Circle, Culver City, Ca.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Kelly
Patti Reynolds
July 17, 2025
When Nancy first hugged me I knew we were on our way to a wonderful friendship.
I stayed at both of her homes for years. Laughter, pranks, photo shoots for our Glamourcon fans, I took one of Nancy´s best photos, but that was easy. The camera loved her.
She gave me part of her booth during Market. I don´t recall Nancy ever saying the word "no."
She invited me to live with her. I don´t know if Mike was informed but he was so easy going I don´t think it mattered.
Well, the laughter, tears, hugs are gone now, however the memories
are always fresh and make me smile. I love you, Nancy, forever.
I could never forget you, my darling girl.
Sharon Schammel
May 19, 2025
I miss you so much uch my girlfriend.
May you rest in peace.
You were a ray of sunshine in my life and others.
Love, Sharon
Alicia Carroll
May 19, 2024
Hard for me to believe that Nancy has been gone so many years. It seems like yesterday we were all at a friends Christmas party laughing and having a wonderful time. Her dearest friend Nancy Carter and I were just talking about Kelley at lunch a couple of days ago and how much we miss her. She was such a caring, generous, sweet person. No one who ever met Nancy will forget her.
Sharon Schammel
May 19, 2024
On this anniversary of your passing I send love to you.
I have never missed anyone so much.
We shared so many memories. Mexico was one them. Every year we went down there for over 25 years,
Love again,
Sharoni
Alicia´s Carroll
May 19, 2023
Alicia´s Carroll
May 19, 2023
Alicia´s Carroll
May 19, 2023
Alicia´s Carroll
May 19, 2023
I think of Nancy every day. Here she´s pictured with her best friend, Nancy Carter. I we think about Nancy all the time she has missed by more people than she could possibly imagine. I have never met a more loving generous person.
Alicia Carroll
May 19, 2023
I think of Nancy often. She was as an incredibly generous, sweet, giving person. She is missed by more people than she could possibly imagine. Her best friend, Nancy Carter, and I talk about her every time we get together. We shared so many good times with Nancy. Those memories will last me a lifetime. She was truly one of the most special people I have ever known.
Sharon
May 6, 2022
I love you Nancy with my whole heart
Christine Chase
May 19, 2020
You were taken to soon, I hope your Family is doing well. I think of you often, I hope your memory is alive and well.
Christine Cooper- Chase
May 19, 2019
Nancy was one of those girls that was very popular in school. She was a bit different, she was kind to us all. I had such a wonderful time with her on a Girl Scout outing in the Mountains, we bonded then. She was always so bubbly and genuine. Her Husband Mike was lucky to have had such a beautiful soul. I hope he is doing well. I often think of the last time I saw her, at our Reunion. You are still missed.
Dick and Carolyn Boronkay
June 18, 2014
Mike,
We are so sorry for your loss of Nancy.
Dick and Carolyn Boronkay.
Vicki Harbath-Smith
June 6, 2014
Michael, I am so sorry for your loss. Nancy was a beautiful loving woman. She will be missed. Her spirit was contagious and contributed to so many. Love Vicki
Jim Flynn
May 31, 2014
Nancy was my friend, a dance partner, and a ray of sunshine in my life. She was funny and caring about people. She was a valued member of our "Tribe" and loved by us.She will live in our hearts.
Teresa Palmer
May 31, 2014
You will be missed! Yesterday being with your loved ones showed how much you were loved, glad I was able to be there. Loved everyone I met whose life you touched in only the way you could. I hope your loved ones say in touch, when they come down to San Diego, look me up!
Mother Teresa from San Diego
May 30, 2014
Nancy,I love you so much. I was so blessed to have known you. You were one of the beautiful souls that graced this earth. Thank you for giving my husband strength and support during his battle with cancer.You encouraged him to fight his battle with cancer and you said put on your battle armoire. He passed away 6 months ago. You gave him hope and love.
My love and prayers our with your husband and family.
Rest in peace,my beautiful kindred spirit!
Love,
Diane Rodger
Spa Resort Casino
Palm Springs,CA
Renie Radich
May 29, 2014
My heart is sad to say goodbye to a friend , who was one in a million. She always stayed true to herself. I loved her for many, many years. Nancy you will always stay in my heart, and I will remember all the good times we shared, and laughs we had. Love you! My condolences to your husband Michael, your Family, and your friends.
Paul White
May 29, 2014
Nancy will always be remember by me as one of the kindest and most loving persons I have ever met
Tom Trujillo
May 29, 2014
Really sorry to find this out. I've great memories and she always had a smile and a hug for me. My deepest, heartfelt condolenses to her friends and family.
holding Court !
May 29, 2014
The always stylish and classy Nancy....A pleasure to know !
Josephine McKeown
May 29, 2014
There are no words to express the sadness I feel over losing our beautiful Nancy, however, I must remember the good times that I enjoyed in her company. You will always be in my heart and prayers.
our last get together at rincon ca.
richard palmer
May 29, 2014
Nancy was my good friend back in the high school days, we shared a lot of good times and laughs together. I stayed in touch with her over the years and she was always so positive and kind...I will miss her deeply as friends like that don't come along very often...rest in peace my friend, you will always be in my heart
Ray Tyndall
May 29, 2014
Nancy was such a character even in her teen years. I knew her during the Pasadena Civic dance days in the mid 60's. We met again in 1988 and she still had that great smile and personality. I don't think we ever grew up. Our prayers are with the family.
Christine Cooper
May 27, 2014
I am unable to attend her funeral, but my prayers are with her Husband and family, you were truly a special Lady. Always in my prayers Chris Cooper (Nina)
Christmas Party 2013
Cynthia Rodrguez
May 27, 2014
Nancy was my bestie and will be missed and never forgotten....Hard to come to terms with. Peace Forever Malibu Barbie
Cynthia Rodriguez
May 27, 2014
Nancy you are the best friend anyone can ask for . Love you and miss you Malibu Barbie. See you again one day !!!
Bea Sines
May 26, 2014
I transferred to Toll Junior High School at the beginning of 8th grade. On the first day of school, this skinny girl w a big smile and long flowing ribbons from her blond pony tail welcomed me and offered to help me find my classrooms. Other than PE, we didn't share too many classes but I'll always remember Nancy w fond memories. Save journey. We'll see you at one of our future "reunions."
Jeanie Leighton
May 26, 2014
Nancy was a 1966 graduate of Herbert Hoover High School in Glendale, California. She is greatly missed by so many of our classmates. Rest in peace, Nancy, and know that you were loved and cherished.
Linda Tatum- Cronin
May 26, 2014
I was fortunate enough to be a friend and class mate of Nancy's from elementary school to graduation from Hoover in 1966. We laughed, danced and it was never a dull moment. Our high school reunions would be just the same all over again. She is dearly missed. My deepest condolences to her husband and family. Linda Tatum- Cronin
Christmas Party at Judy Sinclair's house, 12-23-1012.
Brigitte Johnson
May 26, 2014
When Nancy entered the room, you knew it. Her presence was felt by everyone. She was such a gregarious, fun and loving person. I will fondly remember her.
Cassie Ferrier
May 26, 2014
I only knew Nancy a short time, but everytime I heard her name, I smiled. She was such a sweet, gentle soul and someone I would have liked to know better. May she be at peace now.
Judy Sinclair
May 26, 2014
Nancy had a kind heart, and a sweet way about her...She was one of my closest friends, who will remain forever in my heart..To know her was to love her...She will long be missed, and may she long be REMEMBERED... for all that she was.....True beauty...inside and out...Sleep well, sweet girl...
Mary Reba
May 25, 2014
Nancy, I will always think of you with a smile. You were always so kind to us when we had birthday parties for Aunt Lu. May you rest in eternal loving peace. God Bless Mike. Lovingly, Carlos and Mary
Nancy Grando
May 25, 2014
Our deepest condolences. Nancy was one of my first friends in Los Angeles and my times with her will always be remembered, as she was full of light for life, her family and friends. Nancy was, also, one of the most beautiful woman I ever met with a beautiful soul. May her soul live on forever. God Bless.
Nancy and her buisness partner Nancy Carter
Alicia Carroll
May 25, 2014
Nancy will be missed more than she could ever have imagined. She touched many lives. She was a ray of sunshine wherever she went. I will miss her smiling face and wonderful laugh.
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