Nancy Louise Valenzuela

Born in Milwakee, Wisconson on December 13, 1934, Nancy passed away at her home in Venice on February 28, 2007. She was a loving wife and mother, a loyal friend, a fierce sports enthusiast, an avid card player, and witty conversationalist who will be dearly missed by all.

Nancy came to California with her family as a young girl. She grew up in Westwood and attended St. Paul the Apostle Elementary School where she met lifelong friends Beverly Marsden and Monique Staudhammer. She attended St. Monica High School and after studying a year at Purdue University, Nancy landed at Santa Monica City College where she met her husband Daniel Valenzuela. They were married April 7, 1956.

Nancy and Daniel had three children, Anne, Paul and Peter. She was a devoted mother, active in the PTA, youth baseball, youth football and related activities. She never missed a game her children played in. Later, when her grandchildren were born, she continued her enthusiastic support of their school and athletic activities, earning the nickname from the neighborhood kids as “softball grandmother” for her constant presence and her warm inclusion of all the players in her cheering and encouragement.

Nancy was a great friend with a big heart. She and husband Dan were active in St. Mark’s parish for 50 years, serving in many capacities and sharing the friendship of that community. Nancy was particularly noted for her service as a lector at St. Mark’s. An avid card player, Nancy played bridge regularly with friends for 40 years. She did volunteer work for the Archdiocese with her friend Barbara Kennedy. Most recently, she volunteered as a weekly reader for the kindergarten class at St. Mark’s where they stole her heart and became her dearest friends.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Daniel Valenzuela, her three children, Anne, Paul and Peter, her beloved grandchildren, Eloy, Dolan, Emma and Julia, and numerous relatives and friends. Nancy was preceded in death by her mother Valeria, her father Irving and dear brother Fred Pohlmeyer.

The Vigil Rosary will take place on Friday afternoon, March 2nd at 5pm, with the Funeral Mass celebrated on Saturday, March 3rd at 10:30 am. Both will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church, 940 Coeur d’Alene Ave. Venice Ca 90291.

In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to donate to the “Nancy Pohlmeyer Valenzuela Kindergarten Fund” at St. Mark School, 912 Coeur d’Alene, Venice Ca 90291