Nancy Norris Danninger

"If you have a garden and a library you have everything you need." Marcus Tullius Cicero

Nancy "Nan" Norris Danninger was born in Los Angeles September 2, 1934, to Marian and Byron Norris. As a young girl, Nan's beloved older brother, Bill, a Navy sailor, lost his life while serving in the Korean War. Growing up in South Pasadena, Nan met Greg Danninger and invited him to a high school Sadie Hawkins dance. A true love-match ensued, followed by a joyful 46-year marriage, until Greg's death in 2002. Together, Nan and Greg brought up three loving sons.

Nan had a fulfilling and joyful life, cultivating many dear friendships. She was gracious, kind, generous, inspiring and insightful, had an adventurous spirit and traveled extensively. Nan loved gardening, tennis, sailing, literature, art and theater. At home, Nan had a real flare for decorating and found tremendous joy in entertaining friends and family. Nan also treasured annual "escape" gatherings with her UCLA Tri Delta friends, enjoyed a lively book club, picnics with tennis pals and attending theatre with friends. As a lifelong volunteer, Nan's contributions were significant and always from the heart. Nan enjoyed being a Torrey Pines docent, a Country Friends volunteer, and for many years, working and volunteering at the Mingei International Museum. Daily walks with her dog Charley were another great joy in Nan's life.

Nan truly cherished her children and grandchildren, gathering annually in fun locations to celebrate life and foster connections in her growing family. Nan is survived by three sons, Brent, Paul and Eric, son-in-law Jay, daughters-in-law Linda and Jennifer, and six grandchildren: Nick, Sarah, Griffin, Jillian, Bridget and Link.

Dearly missed, Nan left us all wise counsel and a fine example of how to foster joy and love in a life well-lived.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Heifer International, Mingei International Museum, or Torrey Pines Conservancy.

"To believe in life is to believe there will always be someone to water the geraniums."

Cheers!