Nancy Snell Burgess

She was born on October 26, 1929 in Chicago, IL to Raymond and Peggy Snell. She attended Knox College, went to work for Marshall Field & Company, and decided to move to Southern California in 1961. She became an assistant buyer in the sportswear department of I. Magnin in Beverly Hills where she worked with many celebrities. In 1962, she married Douglas W. Burgess, an electrical engineer. They resided in Santa Monica and had a daughter, Susan. The family moved to Costa Mesa in 1965, and Nancy decided to change careers. She went back to school and became a physician's assistant. She also served as an office manager for various doctors in Huntington and Newport Beach. She worked tirelessly and was beloved by patients, coworkers, and doctors alike.

Nancy loved life and people, and she helped many to overcome life's challenges through her wonderful sense of humor. She enjoyed gardening, reading, going to movies, and working at the Youth Expo and the Orange County Fair. She also traveled the world and had many fascinating adventures. One of her favorite trips was to Singapore because she got to have breakfast with an orangutan!

A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, August 17 at 1:00 PM at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park and Mortuary, with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Nancy's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army, The American Cancer Society, Saint Francis Home, or KCET.