In loving memory of

Nancy Bertinelli

Nancy Bertinelli, 1937-2019

Nancy (Carvin) Bertinelli died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 - one day before her 65th wedding anniversary.

Nancy met her beloved husband Andrew "Andy" Bertinelli on a snowy night in Claymont, Delaware, when she was waiting for a bus after a movie. He offered her a ride, which she politely declined. He then circled back, imploring her to accept his offer, rather than risk waiting in the freezing weather as the buses were no longer running. Hesitant at first, she agreed to let him drive her home, and she ultimately accepted dinner date with the young gentleman. Five months later, they married.

Born in Pennville, New Jersey on February 20, 1937, Nancy was a devoted mother to their five children: Drew of Walla Walla, Washington; Mark (deceased); Valerie of Studio City, California; David of Charlevoix, Michigan; and Patrick of Scottsdale, Arizona. She was a proud "Nonnie," or grandmother, of four: Wolfgang Van Halen (Valerie); Calvin and Bailey Bertinelli (Drew); and Enzo Bertinelli (David).

She boasted that she drove Valerie to 75 auditions when the aspiring young actress was trying to launch her career in Hollywood, but Nancy also made time to attend her boys' sporting events. She was a lifelong football fan, wearing her No. 11 Larry Fitzgerald Arizona Cardinals jersey every Sunday.

Nancy worked as a travel agent, taking pleasure in helping families explore the world. She and Andy delighted in taking annual cruises to Hawaii with their dear friends, and other favorite destinations included Thailand and Italy. When she and Andy first married, the couple lived for a year in Germany while he served in the Army, and later, they lived in England while Andy worked as a consultant on the Channel Tunnel project.

From her favorite television shows like Upstairs Downstairs and Downton Abbey to historical novels of Phillippa Gregory, Nancy was fascinated by the British monarchy. In 2014, she was thrilled to learn that her humble New Jersey roots stretched across the pond to the British gentry, when the television program Who Do You Think You Are? traced her family tree to the early Pennsylvania settler James Claypoole and back to King Edward I.

Nancy made the world around her more beautiful with her prolific oil paintings of English cottages, still-life arrangements and seascapes. Her works are displayed proudly in her children's and grandchildren's homes, and she would be delighted to know that her community, McDowell Village in Scottsdale, selected an original piece to display in their halls.

At mid-life, Nancy was stricken with rheumatoid arthritis which impacted her heart and limited her mobility, but not her spirit. Andy was her caretaker, and she was devastated when he passed in December 2016. As she had throughout life, Nancy soldiered on, embedding herself in the community at McDowell Village by serving on the menu committee and even arranging the annual Super Bowl party.

The family will honor her at a private service. In lieu of flowers, they are requesting donations be made to the Arthritis Foundation and the American Heart Association.

Tributes

David Widick wrote on Oct 7, 2020:

"Became friends with Nancy and Andy in Las Vegas. Beautiful couple who will be greatly missed."

Joe Casciola wrote on Apr 4, 2020:

"My deepest sympathy to the Bertinelli Family. I fondly remember your mother when she was a travel advisor in Shreveport and I would make sales calls. Sweetest lady and I know you have many golden memories to cherish of her. May she rest in peace. "

Tijuana T Jones 0 wrote on Feb 26, 2020:

"To the bertinelli family: I want to offer my deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved mother. She will be greatly missed,but her spirit will remain in your hearts forever. I feel she went on to a better place and her work on earth is done. Cherish the memories you had with this lady and keep them with you for the rest of your life. More importantly, Valerie I know you loved your mom but I feel she went to be with our lord and savior Jesus Christ to watch over her for eternity. One day you will see her again in the second coming of christ."

Mattea wrote on Feb 23, 2020:

"Valerie and family my deepest condolences for the loss of your mom. May she rest in peace and now she is with the man she loved.. My prayers give you comfort."

Jodie Gallons wrote on Jan 28, 2020:

"To the Bertinelli Family, Just heard about the passing of your mother and grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. The Gallons Family Former Claymont, Delaware neighbors"

Valerie Ciancio wrote on Jan 23, 2020:

"My deepest condolences to you and your family Valerie, on the passing of your Mother."

Cathy Lane wrote on Jan 7, 2020:

"So sorry, Valerie and family on the loss of your wonderful mom. Just found out today. Deepest sympathy and your in my prayers. God bless."

Karen Cook wrote on Jan 6, 2020:

"I am just learning of your loss Valerie...my condolences to you and your family. Your mom sounded like an amazing woman! I know how much you miss her and will forever keep her in your heart. I lost my mother 16 years ago and it still feels like yesterday. I truly feel for you and your family....she and your father made a beautiful family and I know they were proud! Much love to you and yours.."

Sharyn Allen wrote on Sep 1, 2019:

"I am so sorry to hear about your beautiful loving mother. I know you went to Granada Hills High I grew up in Chatsworth. I also live in Strawberry Az now. Just wanted to tell you and your family how sorry I am. God Bless??????"

Katherine Fortinash wrote on Aug 28, 2019:

"Valerie and family. I just heard of your dear mother's passing as I watched you cooking her famous lasagna today on the food network. She was an amazing and talented woman who overcame great loss through an indomitable spirit and love for her family. May she rest in peace with her beloved husband and son. Blessings to her great family."

Ron and Jayne teich wrote on Aug 18, 2019:

"your mom and dad were 2 of the most wonderful people and we are so grateful to have had them for friends. They are now together."

Paula Conklin wrote on Aug 6, 2019:

"So sorry.I have enjoyed watching her appearance on Valeries show.What a classy lady."

Annie Short wrote on Aug 4, 2019:

"Vakerie my heart goes out to you and your family upon hearing your Mom passing away. I just watched your show and saw the dedication to her and began to cry. I remember that you had lost your Dad a few years ago...I hope they're together now. I've loved watching ALL of your shows since One Day at a Time and everything you've done for the Food Network, especially Valerie's Home Cooking. Seeing ALL of your friends and family on the show and your son so grown up and such talent like his father. The closeness your family has and the fun you ALL have together... I can REALLY feel the love. I'm sure your parents are looking down on you and couldn't be more proud of you. Love to you ALL. Annie"

Debbie wrote on Jul 28, 2019:

"So sorry for your loss, may her beautiful memories always comfort you."

Rebecca Turman wrote on Jul 28, 2019:

"My condolences to the Bertinell family. Although I never met Mrs. Bertinelli I feel I came to know her through Valerie always talking about her idyllic childhood just like mine. Rest in peace and now you may join your beloved husband."

YOLANDA Pagan wrote on Jul 28, 2019:

"MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE MY CONDOLENCES TO THE BERTINELLI FAMILY."

Debbie Jones wrote on Jul 28, 2019:

"I'm so sorry for your loss. Loved seeing her on Valerie's Home Cooking. Best wishes, from our family to yours"

Sioux Easley wrote on Jul 28, 2019:

"So sorry to the family especially to you Valerie. I enjoyed seeing your mom (via facetime) on your cooking show and I know she inspired you to become both the person and the cook that you are. I imagine she also gave you that friendly sparkle you have. God bless you and love you during this profound loss. Sioux Easley Houston, Texas"

Leslie J Herting wrote on Jul 28, 2019:

"Valerie and extended family. So sorry for your liss. Hugs and prayers to all."

Linda J Kelly wrote on Jul 28, 2019:

"I am so very sorry about the passing of your loving mother Nancy May God comfort you during this difficult time"

Natasha Stokes wrote on Jul 16, 2019:

"Sending my deepest condolences to the Bertinelli family I never had the honor of actually meeting Mrs. Bertinelli. I was ?introduced? to her through the pages of her daughter?s memoir. I wish I could adequately express the level of admiration and awe I felt reading about Mrs. Bertinelli?s astonishing level of strength to be able to persevere in the face of, what for many, would be soul crushing circumstances; Simultaneously receiving one precious gift from God with one hand and returning another precious gift back to God with the other. This illustration of triumph of the human spirit has never left me. It is my personal belief that part of God?s destiny for Mrs. Bertinelli?s life was to be a symbol of hope. The fact that I never met her and yet I have carried her example with me for years and continue to be inspired by her courage proves that she unquestionably fulfilled God?s plan. Her reach far exceeded her grasp; I am forever grateful. Rest in power Mrs. Bertinelli. Sincerely, Natasha Stokes Columbia, S.C."

Maribeth Janssen wrote on Jun 29, 2019:

"I enjoyed getting to know and become friends with Nancy at Mc Dowell Village. She was a wonderful friend and will be missed! Gilda D?Appollinio and family"