Born in Minnesota, she moved to Los Angeles in 1977 after finishing college and settled in Culver City. She worked as a legal secretary in downtown Los Angeles and later decided to become a teacher. She taught the 3rd grade for over 20 years at Short Avenue Elementary School in Mar Vista. Nancy met her future husband, Stephen, on a blind date and they were married on July 7, 1990. They had a daughter and a son and eventually moved to Santa Monica to a house they made into a home for 21 years.
Nancy was a true Minnesota girl and loved the forests and lakes. She loved California just as much. The land of 10,000 lakes transformed into an ocean, the beautiful Pacific that she loved over the many years living in California.
She was an excellent cook. She perfected chicken dishes, made mouthwatering black magic cake, delightful artichoke dip, garlic bread and cabbage salad, delicious tacos and spaghetti. Everything she made was delectable.
She was a softball mom, enjoyed going to the movies (and watching the Oscars), she was artsy, interested in politics, was a great listener and great at giving good advice. She liked sports and rooted for her favorite teams: the Minnesota Golden Gophers, the Green Bay Packers, the Dodgers, Rams, Raiders and Kings. Utmost, she was big on family, she loved them dearly and enjoyed their company. The family outings will be fondly remembered.
Nancy was a voracious reader and spent many hours poring through books after she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and subsequently retired because of this six years ago. It was in remission when she passed.
She had many wonderful happy years.
She was preceded in death by her precious son, Jacob, in 2013 and by her revered parents William and Aulis Kuusisto (in 1973 and 1985 respectively).
She is survived by her beloved husband of 28 years, Stephen Abel of Santa Monica; loving daughter, Natalie Abel of Santa Monica and Milwaukee; caring siblings, Bill Kuusisto of Minnesota, Laurie Singh of Ventura and Tom (Kathy) Kuusisto of Minnesota; treasured nieces and nephews; Kathy, Kyle and Gavin; Kali and Jesse; dear great nephews, Zachary, Caelan and Christian; darling great nieces, Sophia and Jane; cherished pets, Bandit the dog and Mischief the cat; and many other family members and friends she loved so dearly.
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