Nancy Marie Delaney

Nancy Delaney lived a long, happy life devoted to family, fun, art, music and service to others.  Born in Chicago on December 11, 1936, to Hans Clausen and Helen Lamping Clausen, Nancy was the third child and oldest daughter in a loving family of 5 brothers: Donald, Raymond, Richard, Arthur and Charles; and sisters Kathleen and Judith.  Growing up, Nancy was known for her easy laughter, her care of younger children and older relatives and her talent for music.  Nancy played the accordion and was a working musician with a band that played dances and weddings while still in high school.   

Nancy met the love of her life, Jack Delaney, when he joined her band as a saxophone player.  They fell deeply in love, married in 1957 and stayed devoted to each other until Jack’s passing in 2015.  Together, they built a family and a home that was a loving center for extended family, friends and community first in San Leandro, then Pleasanton and at their retirement home in Santa Cruz.  Nancy raised her children – Karen, Kathy, Kris and Denis – to be hard working, responsible and generous to others.  She juggled work, childrearing, volunteering and being the host for huge family gatherings with the efficiency of a general and the grace of a dancer.  Her philosophy that there was always room at her table, or a place to stay earned her the title of the God Mother in our extended family.  Her investment in celebrating the lives and accomplishments of every sibling, child, niece, nephew and friend in her huge family is a remarkable legacy. 

Nancy worked in administration for many years and saw an opportunity with the onset of computers in the 70’s; getting her AA in Computer Science and eventually became a National Computer Analyst and Trainer for a fortune 500 Company before her retirement in 1994.  While she excelled in her work, nothing made her happier than spending time with her family.  She travelled extensively with Jack; planned family vacations; spoiled her grandchildren; volunteered for the Literacy Program and Villa Santa Cruz.   Nancy was a prolific artist and shared her works with delighted friends and family. 

Nancy died after a brief illness, surrounded by family on August 8.  She is survived by her children Karen Delaney, Kathy Golden and Denis Delaney; grandchildren Rachel Mai, Nate Delaney Busch, Sarah Balcazar, Lauren Delaney and Jack Delaney; great grandchildren Leonardo, Eloise, Rowan and Dante; siblings Kathleen Clausen OP, Judy MacMillen and Charles Clausen; along with so many other beloved members of our extended family.