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Nancy Olmsted Kaehr M.D.

1939 - 2018

Nancy Olmsted Kaehr M.D. obituary, 1939-2018, La Jolla, CA

Nancy Kaehr Obituary

Nancy Olmsted Kaehr, MD May 25, 1939 - October 4, 2018 La Jolla To her family and friends, Nancy Olmsted Kaehr defined humility, grace, kindness, patience a carpe diem' spirit - and especially love.A pediatric pulmonary physician who specialized in cystic fibrosis, Nancy's generosity of spirit extended to her patients and colleagues. A second generation graduate of Vassar College with extensive familial ties to the school, she maintained a lifelong relationship with Vassar (AB, 1960, Physics major, Math minor). Nancy worked in the biophysics department at Sloan Kettering Institute, New York City before continuing her education at Stanford University (MS, 1963, Mathematics), then at Yale University (MD, 1969). Her Pediatric Internship and Residency at Children's Hospital, San Francisco were followed by a Pediatric Pulmonary Fellowship at University of California, San Diego; where she remained as Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics until 1988. Nancy's spirit of curious wonderment for the human body was evident in her generous support of academia. She demonstrated fierce respect for both science and art. Her mentorship and love inspired several generations of biomedical scientists and physicians at UCSD and around the globe.The partnership launched by Nancy's marriage to the Reverend Canon Michael G. Kaehr in 1997 was a fairytale of love and devotion. Together, they explored the world often from the view of a ship deck. Michael brought new facets of the human experience into her sightlines. In 1999, Nancy was awarded Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL) by Church of the Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California. The 21 years she shared with Michael was a tapestry of ongoing volunteer activities and involvement with multiple organizations and institutions, including her commitment to La Jolla Symphony & Chorus, Woman Within, E-Circle Sisters and Camp Stevens, among many others.Nancy's delight in family and friends was further evidenced by the carousel of events she and Michael hosted throughout their joyous marriage. Some showcased beloved institutions, as Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in San Diego; others birthdays and anniversaries - marked personal milestones. Epiphany celebrations were followed by lovingly planned themed festivities to celebrate whimsical holidays, as National Milk Chocolate Day, National Cherries Jubilee Day, National Creamsicle Day Her gracious attention to every minute detail of each event began with the physical invitation and included dcor, fare, libations, entertainment, and especially thoughtful seating assignments. Nancy made her guests feel special and welcome.Nancy enjoyed a variety of music, and had a tremendous respect for the visual arts. Her reverence for nature was demonstrated by her delight in humankind; children and individuals with child-like wonder also in her love of birds, frogs, butterflies; and all creatures, great and small. She adored flowers and especially roses, as evidenced in her impeccably manicured home gardens (and those she endowed at Vassar). A lifelong pet lover, in recent years she and Michael shared their home with Pippin, Gandalf, Gimli, Legolas and Strider.Born in New York City to Louise MacCracken Olmsted and Robert G. Olmsted, Nancy had a passion for academics. She graduated from Green Vale School in Glen Head, Long Island before boarding for high school at Chatham Hall, in Chatham, Virginia. In conversation, her overarching humanity and gentleness upstaged her academic achievements. Of her many gifts, it was the love that shone through each aspect of her interactions that is etched into the memories of the individuals she encountered throughout her own fulfilled life, and those lives of her survivors: her loving husband, the Reverend Canon Michael G. Kaehr; stepmother, Mary Olmsted; brother, Robert M. (Stephanie) Olmsted; and brother-in-law, Jerry (Linda) Kaehr. Happy memories of close friendships shared with Nancy will forever be in the hearts of her dedicated personal assistants, Debra Spencer and Susan Stokes-Lambell and honorary pall bearers, Betsy Anderson, Faith DeHart, LeAnn Jamison, Susan Letterman, Sue Mayberry and Maria Stravelakis. Nancy lived her life cherishing the treasures offered by each day. In the end, it was her indomitable spirit that kept her going. A celebration of her life is planned for Saturday, 3 November 2018 at 10:30 a.m., St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, California 92101.A gentle word, a kind look, a good natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles' W. HazlittContributions in Nancy's memory may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral/San Diego, or CARE International.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune from Oct. 21 to Oct. 28, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Kaehr

Not sure what to say?





Rose

November 7, 2018

You have my sincere condolences. When someone we love falls asleep in death, the memories we have of them become our treasure. May those cherished memories of a life well lived and God's promise at John 6:40 bring you a measure of comfort.

Rrw Carne

November 3, 2018

What a wonderful celebration of life for Nancy. She is an amazing lady and (judging by the attendance at the service) had a small army of friends. My condolences to you and family

Tina RM

November 1, 2018

I extend my condolences to the family and friends. May the God of mercy and tender care comfort you all through this time of sorrow. 2Thessalonians 2:16, 17.

LASONJA jackson

October 28, 2018

My prayers & condolences to Mr.Kaehr & family wonderful AWESOME lady you will be missed much Respect REST Easy Mrs.Kaehr

R L

October 25, 2018

Dear family and friends. Please accept my condolences for the loss of your love one. May God comfort you during your time of sorrow. Act 24:15. Sincerely

October 21, 2018

Mike and all the family,
Sincere condolences. The obituary
for our beloved Nancy has explained
well her love of life and friends.
Just as we knew and loved her.
The world has lost an amazing lady.
Your are in my thoughts and prayers
The Team Loretta, Teri and Jordan

October 21, 2018

Sorry for your loss our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family

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Memorial Events
for Nancy Kaehr

Nov

3

Celebration of Life

10:30 a.m.

St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral

2728 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA

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