Nancyann Kanady

Nancyann was a devoted/loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She passed away from natural causes on January 23, 2025, in Maui, surrounded by her loving family. She was 87 years old and lived a remarkable life full of adventure, love, and accomplishment.

Nancyann was born on June 29, 1937, in Omaha, Nebraska to Richard and Flora Sevick. Nancy moved with her family to San Diego, California when she was as a young girl. She attended Grossmont High School where she met the love of her life Russell Kanady. They were married on June 12, 1957, in the Kanady’s family Granite House in Lakeside, California and shared sixty-seven beautiful years together.

Nancy and Russell raised two sons, Tim and Randy. While raising her young family she pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting from San Diego State University. She went on to earn her Certificate of Professional Accounting while working at the accounting firm Touche Ross. During their years in San Diego, the Kanady family enjoyed camping, fishing, trap shooting, and weekends with the Lakeside Sportsman Club with family and many friends.

In 1972 Nancy accepted a position with Touche Ross in Anchorage, Alaska prompting a family road trip up the Alcan Highway in a Chevy ¾-ton with camper and the Chevy Blazer. The Alaska Years became the backdrop for many of Nancy’s greatest adventures–exploring Prince William Sound, flying across the state in the family Maule M5, floating down wild rivers and numerous road trips and camping adventures.

After their sons left for college, Nancy and Russell moved to Homer, Alaska where they settled into their home on West Hill Road with a beautiful view. Their time in Homer was filled with entertaining many guests, boating in Kachemak Bay, catching king crab, salmon, and halibut, and enjoying the natural beauty of Kachemak Bay.

In the early 1980s Nancy began spending tax seasons in Maui, which soon led to a permanent move in 1985. For Nancy Maui was truly the “end of the rainbow.” She and Russell founded Dolphin Realty in 1987 which became a very successful business built on Nancy’s sharp business sense and tireless work ethic. They lived in several beautiful homes on the island, from beachfront Kihei to the serene hills of Kula and welcomed countless friends and family over the years.

Nancy was also deeply involved in her community, volunteering her time and expertise to local organizations. She had a passion for gardening, transforming every yard she touched into a tropical paradise. Her love of beauty and nature was evident in every bloom.

Most of all she enjoyed traveling the world. She explored nearly every continent–Africa, Australia, China, South America, Europe, and North America–leaving only Antarctica untouched. She loved discovering new places, always curious to meet different people and learn about their culture.

Nancy is survived by her beloved husband, Russell Kanady; her sister-in-law, Velmalyn Magill; her sons, Tim Kanady (Lynn) and Randy Kanady (Judy); her grandchildren, Shane (Jenna), Paige (Justin), Rachelle (Zac), and Mackenzie (Spencer); and her great-grandchildren, Charlie, Bo, Harper, Brooks, Wyatt, Quincy, and Banks.

A small memorial gathering will be held on August 10 in Maui to celebrate her remarkable life. Please contact the family for details.