Anna Elizabeth Kaufer (McGonigle), lovingly known as Nancy, passed away on December 18, 2025, at the age of 93, surrounded by loved ones in Ventura, California.

Nancy was born on July 29, 1932, in Alameda, California, near Oakland, to Charles and Mary McGonigle, Irish immigrants who raised fourteen children. One of seven daughters, she carried deep pride in her Irish heritage throughout her life.

She worked for many years at the telephone company and developed a strong work ethic shaped by growing up in a large family where frugality, resilience, and responsibility were essential. Nancy kept an immaculate home and had a remarkable ability to save even the most ordinary items… an endearing reflection of her thoughtful and practical nature.

Nancy was first married to Michael Kelly, with whom she had two sons, Kevin and Brian Kelly. She later married Charles “Chuck” Kaufer on July 17, 1962, in Carson City, Nevada. Together they shared more than fifty years of marriage until Chuck’s passing.

A devoted mother, Nancy was steady, supportive, and constant. As a grandmother, she wore many hats; teacher, chef, and chauffeur and embraced each with love. Alongside Chuck, she cared for Krystal and Kasey every day after school and remained deeply involved in the lives of all her grandchildren: Krystal Dixon (Kelly), Kasey Kelly, Michelle Kelly, Christina Kelly, James Hart, Tracy Dempsey (Austin), and Kimberly Austin, as well as her many great-grandchildren.

Nancy possessed a quiet strength shaped by independence and resilience. With Chuck at her side, she volunteered with the Pioneers, dressing as a clown visiting children in hospitals and bringing smiles wherever they went. She loved camping, traveling, and cruising with her husband, and for special dinners out, she especially enjoyed Aloha Steakhouse, which she affectionately called “the Alohas.”

On cold and rainy days, Nancy loved to make comforting potato soup while listening to Irish music. She took great pride in her Irish roots; tending to her clovers, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, and cherishing phone calls with her sisters, especially Theresa, the family storyteller.

Above all, she taught her family the importance of showing up, keeping one’s word, working hard, and always doing your best.

She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering strength.

She was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.

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