Vangsness was born in Pasadena, California, daughter of Errol Leroy Vangsness, of Norwegian descent, and wife Barbara Mary (née Marconi), of Italian descent. She was raised in Porterville, California, and later moved to Cerritos, California.
Vangsness was born in Pasadena, California, the child of Errol Leroy Vangsness and Barbara Mary (née Marconi), both with roots in Norway and Italy respectively. She spent her early years in Porterville before moving to Cerritos.