Nancy Adele Saustad

Nancy Adele Wynne Saustad (61) passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Born in Fort Worth, Texas on March 12, 1965, Nancy was adopted and deeply cherished by her loving parents, Nancy Ann and Buck Wynne. From her earliest days, Nancy had a remarkable gift for making others feel special and loved—bringing joy, warmth and laughter wherever she went.

Growing up in Dallas, Nancy graduated from The Hockaday School in 1983 before attending SMU, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and was an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Nancy proudly made her debut with The Idlewild Club, The Terpsichorean Club and The Assembly in Fort Worth, and was a duchess in Fiesta San Antonio. It was during this time that she had a blind date with a charming young man who would become her best friend and lifelong love – David Saustad.

Nancy and David were married in 1992 and built a beautiful life rich in love, laughter and deep devotion to family. Together, they raised three accomplished children—David, Zach, and Annie—who were the center of Nancy’s world and her greatest pride and joy. In their lives, she was a constant—offering encouragement, wisdom and unconditional love in abundance.

After college, Nancy began her professional career in public relations with the Vicki Eisenberg Agency and the Loews Anatole Hotel before launching her own consulting firm. Yet it was in nonprofit work that she found her true calling. There, her compassion, vision and remarkable talent for fundraising made a lasting impact. After serving as vice president of development at the Dallas Zoo, she went on to become chief philanthropy officer at KERA, where her ability to inspire generosity helped change countless lives.

Known for her unwavering positivity and natural grace, Nancy had a deeply generous spirit, accepting nature and an innate ability to lift others up. People were naturally drawn to her—friends and colleagues alike simply wanted to be near her warmth. A gifted leader and devoted volunteer, she gave countless hours to her children’s schools and to causes that enriched her community.

Giving back was not just something Nancy did—it was who she was. She volunteered for numerous nonprofits with dedication and heart, including the Junior League of Dallas as ball chair and the Episcopal School of Dallas Parents’ Association as president. She also gave her time as a board member for Ronald McDonald House, TACA and Child & Family Guidance Center, and was an active member of Crystal Charity Ball, The Charter 100, Dallas Woman’s Club, Marianne Scruggs Garden Club, Klyde Warren Park, Young Men’s Service League and St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.

For all her accomplishments, Nancy found her greatest joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments: time spent with her treasured family, walks with her beloved dogs, getting lost in a good book, skiing in Vail at the family’s cherished vacation home, and nurturing the many deep friendships she held so dear. Those friendships meant everything to her because they were lasting and genuine — a reflection of her loyalty and the love she gave so freely.

Nancy’s life was a beautiful example of kindness, generosity and love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege to know and love her.

Nancy is survived by her devoted husband of 34 years, David Carl Saustad; her beloved children, David Carl Saustad, Jr. and his wife, Miranda Richard, Zachary “Zach” Michael Saustad, and Ann “Annie” Wynne Saustad; her brother, Howell Smith Wynne, his wife, Amy, and their daughter, Natalie; her mother-in-law, Lutetia Saustad Raley; her brother-in-law, Don Saustad, his wife, Megan, and their sons, Matthew, Cade, and Campbell as well as many cherished extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nancy Ann Smith Wynne Chandler and Dr. Buck Jim Wynne, Jr.; her sister, Fay Ann Wynne; her stepfather, Capt. A.W. “Hap” Chandler, Jr.; her father-in-law, Carl Olaf Saustad; and her stepfather-in-law, Jackson Lee Raley.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held on Thursday, April 23rd at 10:00 am at Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75201.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to KERA (www.kera.org) or St. Philip’s School & Community Center (www.stphilips1600.org).