Nancy was born on the 11th of April 1929, in Detroit, Mich., to parents, Drusilla and Roy Burton. Her adolescent years were spent in Buffalo and Cleveland, before moving to California and taking up residence in San Francisco. A product of Presentation High School, class of 1947, she proceeded on to and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, earning her degree in 1951, and her teaching credential in 1952. Nancy pledged Alpha Chi Omega, served as president her senior year and maintained a life-long affiliation with the sorority and her sisters. She met and married her college sweetheart, William Groeniger, just prior to graduation, a union lasting 61 years, until her recent passing on the 28th of June 2013. Their love is evidenced by five children and their spouses: Bill and Karen; Scott and Carol; Kurt and Gayle; Kristen; Brett and Gail; as well as 5 granddaughters, 11 grandsons, and 2 great-granddaughters. Nancy was an enthusiastic and tireless supporter of charitable entities wherever she resided in Southern California. Whether leading the charge or supporting her friends, she provided her talents and time selflessly to better her community. Among her many affiliations were: Florence Crittenton of Orange County, Children's Hospital Auxiliary, Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, Damas de Caridad, Rancho Santa Fe Republican Women, Deacon at RSF Village Church, Assistance League of Fullerton and San Diego (Juniors and Seniors), Les Dames d'Escoffier, Red Hat Desert Foxies, RSF Business and Professional Women, Country Friends Auxiliary, The Muses, and over forty years as a Marine Corps wife. She earned special appreciation Commendations from the Commandant of the Marine Corps and Marines Toys for Tots on behalf of her services to the Corps. Her final residence was in Indian Wells, Calif. with visits back to Rancho Santa Fe, where she lived for 37 years. Though her health had declined in the recent years, she maintained her indomitable spirit in spite of many setbacks, a credit to her personal involvement and ongoing relationship with some very special doctors who provided care for her and provided her with many more years of family time. That resilient spirit and her loving family sustained her to the end. She is immeasurably missed by all whom she touched in her bountiful life. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 14, 2013, at 12 noon, in the Ramon Room of Forest Lawn, Cathedral City, Calif. Donations in memory of Nancy can be made to Marine Corps University Foundation and Alpha Chi Omega Foundation. Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries.
