Nancy A. Frank

Nancy Anne Frank, 81, formerly of Johnstown, New York, departed this world on August 26, 2023, after a day filled with joy, love and family. She fought dementia with dignity and never lost her sweetness or wry smile. Born on April 19, 1942, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, to Rolf and Mary Pinkwart; she was a cherished daughter, sister, mother of four, teacher of many, and an extremely proud grandmother of three.

Nancy grew up in Concord, California, where she developed a strong sense of family from her parents and siblings and nurtured her own passion for learning and libraries. Despite her educational interests, Nancy set aside college to marry, start a family and move about the country as a military wife. She always provided a joyful atmosphere for her children as they moved from California, Delaware, Texas and Hawaii before finally settling in upstate New York. Nancy always put her family first, providing a shining example of her deepest values.

Nancy was able to demonstrate the importance of education by pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher in her forties. She earned her degree in Education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany. Her strength and resiliency left an indelible mark on her children and inspired many others. As a teacher she expected much of her students, had "eyes in the back of her head" and did her best to help her students navigate Language Arts. She taught mainly at Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School in St Johnsville, New York and St. Mary's School in Painesville, Ohio. She loved her students and the written word. She was a stickler for proper grammar, punctuation and pronunciation. We imagine she might be in heaven right now marking this text with a red pencil.

Nancy will be remembered for instilling stewardship and kindness in this world. She has taught us all the value of doing our part to leave the world a better place. Nancy supported her children's pursuits of careers in public service and volunteering. She was immensely proud of their achievements and we are proud of her never-ending and selfless support. Her hobbies included gardening, crafting, walking, letterboxing, NYT crosswords and Jeopardy. She loved and worked in libraries throughout her life and was always happy to help the "intellectually curious". Most of all - she ADORED her three grandchildren and created many lasting memories through books, games, baking and her cats Zoe and Daisy. She spent many joyous years helping her grandchildren grow into loving caring adults.

Nancy will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She was a kind, generous, intelligent and loving person who touched many lives. She leaves behind a beautiful family and a lasting legacy. She will always be remembered as a wonderful daughter, sister, mother, teacher and grandmother.

Nancy is survived by her sister and best friend Marie (Stan) Kalinowski, brothers Rolf (Jackie) Pinkwart, and John (Carolyn) Pierson; her children Susan (Mike) Grad, Rosemary (Bruce) Vander Lee, Amy (Sean) Frank-Hensley, Michael (Stacey) Frank; and her grandchildren Emily, Brandon and Chloe. She also leaves behind beloved nieces, nephews and dear friends who have brought much joy to Nancy throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her parents and closest friend Irene Winslow of Ohio.

Nancy was comforted throughout her life by her strong Catholic faith. And much gratitude goes out to the staff at Loretto for helping Nancy and her family along the journey. Nancy's sweet and gentle nature shone through to the end due to the kindness of caregivers and cards and notes from close friends.

A private mass and service is planned, followed by burial at St Mary's Cemetery in Dewitt, NY. Arrangements being made through New Comer Funeral Home in North Syracuse. A Celebration of Life will take place later this year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Johnstown Public Library in Nancy's memory.

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