Nancy Zinsmeyer Wynne

1937 to Martin Zinsmeyer and his wife Norma Carlquest, in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in Arcadia and attended the Westlake School for Girls and the University of Southern California. Nancy began her career in banking but soon followed her heart and began singing professionally. However, her belief in the Lord and an abiding desire to promote the arts and other good causes led her to pursue a lifetime of philanthropic activity.

In 1993 she became a Charter Member of the Orange County Museum of Art Visionaries and remained a life member. She joined the Women of Chapman and generously supported the University. Nancy spent a lifetime supporting organizations and medical centers that addressed the needs of at risk and medically challenged children.

Nancy loved all creatures great and small. She rescued and nourished turtles, crows and ducks. She took in a stray cat (Angela). She owned race horses and loved to spend the day at the races. But most of all she loved her poodles – Punch, Gigi, JoJo, Webster, Daphne Anne and the current Mr. Chips. Poodle joy was a staple of her life.

The other love of Nancy’s life was her daughter, Hilary. From crew to flying airplanes to being an Oxford Ph.D. where she conducts research and teaches graduate students, Hilary was a steady source of pride to her mother.

The center of Nancy’s life was her husband Donald, who she met while visiting Boston in 1986. Over the course of their thirty-four year marriage they belonged to Big Canyon Country Club where they enjoyed a uniquely close circle of friends. Nancy was also blessed to long time wonderful neighbors Cal and Sherry Mead and Janet and Barry Schreiar. Nancy was a woman who loved life and lived it well.

She was a woman of strong faith, who believed in personal responsibility and respect for others. She approached her death with grace, dignity and humility. Throughout the long hospice year, suffering through the end stages of congestive heart failure, she never, not once, complained.

Nancy will always be remembered by those who knew and loved her for her welcoming smile, quick wit and zest for life. She was an honest and direct in her opinions and one always knew where one stood with Nancy – but that was her charm. The angels must have figured this out by now. Though we have lost a treasure our lives are forever enriched by her memory and her generosity.

Besides her husband and daughter Nancy leaves behind her sister Linda Zinsmeyer and brother John Zinsmeyer, her in-laws Robert and Marie Wynne of Boston, MA. as well as multiple cousins, nieces and nephews.

Nancy was well cared for and the family especially thanks Espe, Lizet, Toni and Coral Tree Health Care.

The Family requests in lieu of flowers a donation in Nancy's name be made to Hoag at Home Hospice. A private service and reception is planned by the Family.