Advertisement

Nancy Willits Sattler<br/>September 12, 1924 - October 26, 2014

Share

Our dear matriarch, Nancy Willits Sattler, died of heart failure early Sunday morning, the 26th of October, after a blessedly brief illness. She was born on September 12, 1924 in Corona, California to Robert and Shirley Willits, who founded the Corona Foothill Lemon Company. Nancy was a warm and gracious lady who lightened all the lives she touched. She was dearly loved by her children and revered by her grandchildren, all of whom are better people for the extraordinary experience of receiving her love and guidance.

Nancy moved to Corona del Mar in 1961 with her four children: Steve Prough, Sara Hyatt, Rob Prough, and Carol Prough. She was a faithful member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, serving as Senior Warden and on the Altar Guild. In 1964 she married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Sattler, who preceded her in death in 2011 and with whom she built a life based on love of family. They were long time members of Balboa Yacht Club - boating was an integral part of their life together. She took us to Big Corona every summer afternoon, and taught us how to body surf.

She loved to entertain and holidays were a highlight. Fourth of July barbecues on the beach at Carnation Cove, the house filled with folks at Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve parties with the infamous grab bag were her special delight. Her cooking was legendary and the table buzzed with 10 conversations all going on at once.

Advertisement

Nancy loved to garden and spent hours surrounded by her roses, orchids, and begonias. She especially enjoyed walking down her path to Buck Gully. She and Bob were avid classical music buffs, attending the Carmel Bach Festival for years and supporting the Corona del Mar Baroque Festival. She hand-knitted Christmas stockings for all her family and many, many children of friends. She took care of the elderly and shut-ins, she volunteered to help the homeless, and she was an active supporter of Girls, Inc. She lived a life full of love and service. She was grateful for all she had, and felt she’d had a wonderful life.

Nancy is survived by her four children, her grandchildren Aaron Riddle, Christy (Prough) Chaloff, Greg Prough, Justin Prough, Elizabeth (Prough) Fisher, Leanne (Prough) Butka, Ryan Burr, Will Long, and Charles Long, and by 10 great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at 2:00 on Saturday, November 15 at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Corona del Mar. A reception will follow at the family home.

Advertisement