Nancy Curran Caldwell

Nancy Curran Caldwell

Nancy Curran Caldwell who was admired for her gracious heart, kindness of spirit and inherent elegance passed on November 14, 2013. She was the epitome of a lady, even as she faced her final days among her family and caregivers.

Born in the Pomona/Claremont Valley, CA on July 3, 1925, Nancy’s family was one of the founding pioneers of the Los Angeles County Fair. The Curran family was also an early resident of Lido Isle, giving Nancy her introduction to the Newport Harbor. She grew up sailing the bay in her Snowbird, creating her great love for the water. Ultimately the coast was where she and her husband, Jack chose to raise their family. The sailing tradition later became important as well to her children and grandchildren as Nancy and Jack were active members of the Balboa Yacht Club.

Nancy first viewed Jack Caldwell from her second story high school classroom seat at Claremont High School as he walked below. One might call it love at first sight because this singular moment set the stage for a lifelong love affair. Jack and Nancy were married for 52 years and blazed great trails together until Jack passed in 1999. Their travels led to friendships in France, Italy, Germany, Spain, England, Mexico and Hong Kong, relationships which have resonated in Nancy’s life until the end. After Jack passed, Nancy stayed dedicated to the affiliations and friendships they had enjoyed together, with the additional pleasure of actively participating in the lives of her expanding family. She was treasured by her nine grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren, all of whom fondly referred to her as Nanne.

Nancy was an accomplished concert pianist and entered Pomona College at 15; ultimately graduating from UCLA, having been inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda, and a life member of Chi Omega Sorority. Her dedication to music remained a constant theme in her life. She was a regular attendee at concerts and an enthusiastic supporter of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, to which she was recently honored for her 50 years of dedication. Other longtime joys were her affiliations with Bowers Museum, Cameo Philharmonics, National Charity League, and Corona del Mar Church Congregational. The enduring friendships Nancy and Jack fostered through these associations enriched both of their lives immeasurably.

In spite of her grace and charm, Nancy had a feisty spirit and spunk. In fact, this petite woman became one of the top light-tackle anglers in the world competing and landing marlin in Venezuela, Brazil and Cabo San Lucas. She was also a third generation citrus grower and until recently oversaw a 50 acre citrus ranch in Rancho California.

Nancy predeceases her two sisters, Flo Butterbaugh of Long Beach and JoAn Stare of Rancho Mirage and her sister-in-law Betty Jean Barnes of Claremont.

Her three children, Janis Arendsen, Joyce Ukropina and Scott Caldwell and their spouses, John, Rob and Karen shared so many wonderful times with Nancy, as did her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Grandchildren:
Genelle Arendsen Newell, Kari Arendsen, Chad Arendsen, Janeene Arendsen Lovell, Scott Arendsen, Jack Ukropina, Jillian Ukropina Sabaugh, Max Ukropina, Maclain Caldwell

Great Grandchildren:
Wyatt Arendsen, Jagger Arendsen, Daisy Lovell, Riley Newell, Shaylee Lovell, Rose Arendsen, Lauren Newell, Marlee Lovell, Jewel Arendsen, Jarrek Arendsen, Mackenzie Newell, Dominic Felicione, Anthony Going

The Caldwell Family greatly respects and appreciates the wonderful care and attention given to Nancy during her final years, especially Aura Lara and Becky Lara.

A private family service is planned at the request of Nancy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are welcome and may be made in honor of Nancy Caldwell to Philharmonic Society of Orange County, 2082 Business Center Drive, Ste. 100, Irvine, CA 92612