Elizabeth Nansen Obituary

Nansen, Elizabeth
1921-2007
Elizabeth (Betty) Nansen passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on September 6, 2007. She was born in Lakewood, OH on December 11, 1921. She grew up in Conneaut, OH and received a Bachelors Degree in music from Kent State University in 1942. The following year she moved to California, and married Cecil Nansen. Together they raised five children. They lived on the Palos Verdes Peninsula for over fifty years, where Elizabeth was active in many organizations. She was an honorary life member of the American Association of University Women, a member of the Music Teacher's Association, and taught both elementary school and piano lessons for many years. She was well known throughout the community for her commitment to education and music. She had an avid interest in genealogy, and was very proud to be a member of the Mayflower Society. Her husband, Cecil, passed away in 2001. Elizabeth is survived by her children, Eric Nansen (Diana) of Yorba Linda, CA, Mark Nansen (Bobbie) of South Pasadena, CA, Kurt Nansen (Rosemary) of Charlotte, NC, Beth Nansen (Alan) of Santa Barbara, CA, Reid Nansen (Debbie) of Long Beach, CA; and ten grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 11:00am at McKenzie Mortuary, 3843 East Anaheim Street, Long Beach, CA. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.MCKENZIE MORTUARY
LONG BEACH 562-961-9301

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Published by Daily Breeze on Sep. 13, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Nansen

3 Entries

Frederick Strack

October 11, 2007

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Mrs. Nansen made an impression on me that still lives in my memories, even though I only met her once many years ago. I can only conclude that she was an extraordinary woman. Her impression on me and all of those who were also fortunate to have crossed paths with her in this life, will certainly live on for the rest of our lives.

While writing this and reminising (Mrs. Nansen is in the same age group as my mother and father), I recall a book I read last year after my father passed away, and the author described the people who lived through the Great Depression and World War II as, "The Greatest Generation". You know I think he was right. May God bless you and all of your loved ones.

Lauren Sargeant Burton

September 15, 2007

We are so sorry for your loss. We are thankful Betty is now at peace. I will never forget Betty's barbecued beef, her bright coral lipstick, and the good humor with which Betty chatted with my mother daily for over an hour, waiting for Beth and I to appear, and then departed daughterless after a long day of teaching while Beth and I hid patiently, quietly, in my parents' wood box in the living room. Betty's loving care made it possible for Beth and I to have a rich, supportive, challenging and joyful friendship that I will cherish until the day I die. Goodbye, Betty, and God Speed.

Greg & Barbara Kinloch

September 14, 2007

My first memory of Aunt Betty and Uncle Cecil was at a family reunion in the 50's in Yakima. I remember them driving into our driveway in a yellow Ford station wagon complete with a car load of cousins. That was the beginning of a friendship with my California relatives.
I remember Aunt Betty's tremendous ability as a musician. She was an incredible pianist. It was a treat to be a part of her family audience.
Through the years we had many more good times at family reunions---Omak, Phoenix, Silver Falls, Alderbrook, Lopez Island, and at the ocean in Washington. I always remember sitting down with Aunt Betty and visiting with her. She was always relaxed and excited about history, her genealogy pursuits, her travel, and loved to talk about her family.
Nothing ever seemed to ruffle her feathers.
She opened her home to us in Rolling Hills on several occasions. I will never forget taking our young boys to Disneyland and their excitement over getting Mickey Mouse shirts. We then went down to the beach close to her home and Jon took his shirt off to wash it in the ocean because it had gotten dirty. It was swept away with the tide. He cried and cried and was quite upset when we returned back to Aunt Betty's house. Several weeks later, a package came in the mail. It was from Aunt Betty. She had purchased an identical shirt and told Jon that she had found his lost shirt. Was he ever excited! For years in his mind, she was a miracle worker. What an impressions his great aunt had made.
We shall miss Aunt Betty greatly. She and Uncle Cecil left a wonderful legacy to all of us who were lucky enough to know and love them both.

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