Nancy Marie Edelbrock

August 30, 1936 - June 10, 2023 Nancy Marie Crook was born August 30, 1936 in Evanston, Illinois to Alice and Frederick Crook I. After WWII, the Crook family, which now included Nancy's brother Bill, moved to Hermosa Beach, California, where Fred purchased a car dealership. It was here that Nancy fell in love with horses after her Dad traded a used car for two horses. Nancy and best friend Stephanie rode all over the Palos Verdes Peninsula while attending Mira Costa High School. An excellent student, Nancy earned an academic scholarship for the University of Southern California where she majored in Education and minored in Fine Arts. As a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority she was president of Panhellenic, active in student senate and a member of Helen of Troy. Nancy also had a wild streak creating pranks for the crosstown rivalry UCLA. Little did she know that a blind date while at USC would change her life forever! That blind date turned out to be Vic Edelbrock Jr., who threw a water balloon at her bedroom window to get her attention. Their mutual love of cars and mischievous attitudes were a match made in Heaven. They were married on campus at Our Savior's Chapel on March 21, 1959. Nancy passed down her love of horses, her dedication to USC and her great sense of humor to her three daughters. Each one competing in horse shows while Nancy cheered them on. While Vic ran the family company, Nancy helped the girls with their schoolwork and enjoyed taking them on fun outings to places like Disneyland and the tea room at Bullocks Wilshire. Nancy used her artistic talent to assist her husband in marketing the company. She also became a valuable asset on the road traveling with Vic to hundreds of races, trade shows and events. Vic called Nancy "the Real Boss" because she was an essential part of the company. She was a strong influence in each of the girl's lives. For Camee, it was working together on advertising slogans for Edelbrock. For Christi, it was traveling through Europe and the East Coast while riding horses with the best in the sport. And for Carey, Nancy instilled a sense of adventure, fun and always laughter. They also shared a love for Christmas and Disneyland! Vic loved racing and Nancy stood by his side in every endeavor. Whether it was marathon boat racing in Marine Stadium, water ski racing or offshore boat racing in San Francisco, she was there to oversee, cheer him on and provide moral support. When Vic, Camee and Christi took up vintage car racing, Nancy was an integral part of the Fun Team, recording lap times and making sure everyone followed the rules. Off the track, Vic and Nancy were avid USC football fans, never missing a home game at the LA Coliseum and tailgating with friends and family. Nancy had a few favorite places where she and Vic could unwind and enjoy nature. On their yacht Victorious, Nancy read countless novels while sitting on the back deck breathing in the salt air. She loved the ocean, the outdoors and all of its wildlife (even her husband). In Canada, Nancy and Vic relaxed in their log cabin situated right on the water with the same two Bald Eagles visiting daily. Nancy Edelbrock's legacy will live on through her three daughters, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, and through the legendary company she helped shape. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Nancy's memory, please consider a donation to the Cure Alzheimers Fund (curealz.org) or the Swim With Mike Foundation (www.swimwithmike.org).