Nancy Jane Kayser

Nancy Jane Kayser was born in Hollis, New York. Precocious from birth, after her family moved to Inglewood CA, she appeared on Art Linkletter’s T.V. show – twice. She and her babyish New York accent were a big hit. Nancy continued to entertain audiences as a teenager, dancing with partner Terry Brittain on television.

She graduated from Audubon Jr. High and Dorsey High School in Southwest Los Angeles. She went on to become a medical assistant and continued in the medical field at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for many years. Later she worked for the City of Santa Monica for 15 years, retiring in December 2015.

Nancy always stopped to talk to others when she was out and about. She brightened many a person’s day with her natural friendliness and kindness, coupled with a fabulous sense of humor. She fostered dogs and her devotion to her own pets is legendary.

She lived in Santa Monica for much of her adult life until she and her best friend from Dorsey High, Dagmar Petersen King, decided to each move to Salem, Oregon.

Nancy is survived by her sister, Gini Hassing of Arroyo Grande, CA; nieces Holly Fitzpatrick and Suzy Hassing of Texas, and cousin Susan Lane-Koontz of Longview, WA. 

The family will be eternally grateful to Dagmar for taking care of Nancy with overwhelming love and kindness as Nancy descended into grave illness and passed away on December 27, 2024. Messages of condolence to Gini: beetle.047@gmail.com or to Dagmar: dagmarking123@gmail.com