Obituary of Nancy Ann Kamm

Nancy Ann Kamm (née Pambianchi), age 88 passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 59 years, Dietrich, and saddened by the loss of her oldest grandson, Dieter C (2017). 

She is survived by her children: Deanna, Dieter (Kim), Erich (Jill), and Christopher (Karin). She was very proud to be “Pakka” to her twelve grandchildren: Lillian, Allyson, Jameson, Dieter, Kayla, Lauren, Ryan Leo, Kelsey, Colin, Kevin, Aiden, and Owen. She is also survived by her sister, Marie Hoffman and brother James Pambianchi (Doreen), beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws, and extended family.

Nancy (“Mama K” as the neighbor kids called her) was born in Ridgefield, CT on August 21, 1936 to Leo and Linda Pambianchi (née Zandri). After high school in Ridgefield, she graduated from the Latin American Institute in NYC where she met Dietrich Kamm, her love. She was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency and moved to Washington, DC to work at the French Desk of the CIA, while Dietrich served in the Army at Fort Belvoir.

After marrying her beloved husband, Dietrich, the couple resided in Stuttgart, Germany. Their adventurous lives brought them back to the US, first to South Bend Indiana, and eventually to San Francisco, where they settled in and started their family. The growing family subsequently moved to NJ for Dietrich’s employment with Mercedes-Benz in Montvale, and made their home in Oakland, NJ for over 50 years. 

Nancy and Dietrich loved Oakland and the many people they met. Their home at 7 Hopi Court was warm and welcoming, and the door was always open to anyone looking for a meal, a bed, advice, or conversation around the enchanted kitchen table. The Kamms hosted foreign exchange students, foster children, and relatives from all over the world. Everyone was always welcome, and lasagnas and feasts seemed to magically appear at all hours, including multiple morning-after prom breakfasts. At any given time there were plenty of “extras” at 7 Hopi, including dogs, cats, horses, guinea pigs, etc.! Nancy touched the lives of so many people and will be fondly remembered for her warmth, kindness, and gracious hospitality.  

Both Nancy and Dietrich were involved in extensive community service.  Nancy served as a CCD facilitator at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, soccer coach, one of the founding members of Oakland’s soccer program, PTA Mom, and member of the Oakland Republican Club. Nancy was elected to serve three terms as a Trustee on the Oakland Board of Education where she was guided by her core principle: ‘Is it in the best interest of the students?’. Once her children were old enough, Nancy rejoined the workforce, ultimately retiring from Troll Book Fairs to assume the role of full-time grandmother.

Nancy was a master at Bridge, and also enjoyed Mahjong, tennis, bowling, and gardening. Never shy of showing her competitive nature, she passionately supported her children and grandchildren at their sporting events, where she was often seen ardently cheering on the teams from the sidelines and bleachers at various fields and ice rinks. Nancy relied heavily on her faith, and was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes. In her later years, she joined the Oakland Senior Center, participating in and enjoying the activities with a group of friends whom she adored. Nancy always remained actively engaged in any venture where she could connect with people and share her love of life. She could often be found in the local choral group, working the box office selling tickets, out on the bocce court, or bringing a container of ice cream to a friend who wasn’t feeling well. She was constantly caring for those around her, to the very end. She truly loved people and they loved her. 

There will be an open visitation to pay respects to Nancy and the family at the Chapel at Cedar Crest, 1 Cedar Crest Dr., Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 on Tuesday, June 3 from 4:30 – 8:00 pm (through the gate, up the hill, left at stop sign, the Chapel is the building immediately on your right).

A celebratory Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 17 Pompton Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442, on July 12 at 10:30 am. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Nancy’s life following the Mass at a location TBD. Her ashes will be interred with her husband’s in a private ceremony with family at Ponds Cemetery in Oakland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her memory to the Oakland First Aid Squad and are appreciated.