Nancy Kay Christopherson

Nancy Kay Christopherson, 79, passed away on Sept 30, 2026 surrounded by loved ones in Tacoma, WA. She was born in Pasadena, CA on January 4, 1947 to parents James Douglas Traveler and Lorraine Kanutzen Traveler. She went to grade school in California and enjoyed swimming in the ocean off of Balboa Island where she grew up as a child. In the 9th grade they moved to Bremerton, WA and she went to West Bremerton Highschool where she graduated in 1964. She pursued further education at Olympic College in Bremerton and got an associates degree. Then she furthered her college studies at Central WA University for another year and decided she wanted to go back to CA but her father said she had to work and have $1000 in her pocket before he would let her go. After she saved the money, she told her father she was ready to go and had already gotten a job lined up at Bloomingdales where she became an in-store fashion model and buyer.

It was around this time that she met Bill Lee, who quickly became her husband. They soon began raising a family together, and welcomed four children: sons Robb Douglas, John William and Ryan Christopher, and daughter Erin Kate. They moved from Los Angeles to Orange County where they ultimately settled into Niguel Shores and raised their family. Bill founded Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services in 1979 in Orange County, a company that would grow into one of North America’s leading commercial real estate firms. Nancy was very instrumental in helping make it all possible.

Nancy’s years in Southern California were filled with family, sunshine, and the beauty of life near the ocean. The warmth of the California coast, the closeness of family, and the love she poured into her home became enduring parts of Nancy’s story.

She found great joy in meeting regularly with her “gourmet girls group” where she cultivated lifelong friendships, a tradition that carried on until her passing.

Later in life, after Nancy and Bill parted ways, Nancy went to her class reunion and reunited with her close friend, Bruce Christopherson, beginning a beautiful new chapter in a love story that had come full circle. Their reunion felt like a fairytale—two people finding their way back to one another and intertwining their lives once again. They bought a home on Dyes Inlet and were married on the edge of the waterfront July 26, 2003. All of their children and Nancy’s Mother were in attendance. Together, they blended their families, creating a life filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories.

With Bruce, Nancy returned to her Washington roots while continuing to cherish the beauty of Southern California. Together, they built their beautiful home in Dyes Inlet, Silverdale, where they welcomed family and friends and created a gathering place filled with warmth, laughter, and love. They spent their winters in the sunshine of Dana Point and their summers in Washington, enjoying the best of both places.

A devoted homemaker with a natural gift for design, Nancy had a special way of making everything around her more beautiful. Whether creating a welcoming home, gathering loved ones together, or simply sharing a moment with a friend, she brought warmth, love, and good humor wherever she went. Her generous spirit, wonderful sense of humor, and genuine kindness made her a treasured friend to many.

Nancy was a loving and devoted grandmother to Robby, Wayland, Billie, Brennan, Paige, Eddie, Nina, Zo and Olivia, and also including Colton and Adam whom she lovingly welcomed into her life as her own grandchildren. Her grandchildren brought her tremendous joy, and the time they shared created memories that will be treasured for generations.

Nancy leaves behind a legacy not only in the beautiful homes and memories she created, but also in the love she gave so freely. Her life was rich with family, friendship, beauty, and passion—a life shaped by the love of Jesus, the places she loved, and the people who meant the most to her. She will be deeply missed by her family, her many dear friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her love, laughter, and gracious spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her.

Nancy is survived by her husband Bruce Christopherson, her sister Sandy, niece and nephew Stacy and Jimmy and all of her children and grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Bremerton, WA on Friday, October 23rd at 11am. Gravesite service to follow. A Memorial Service will also be held at Saint Margarets in Dana Point, CA on Saturday, Nov 7th at 2pm.

Thank you very much for helping us honors Nancy.