Norma ‘Nana’ Holt

ALTAMONT — Norma “Nana” Holt Holt died peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, with her loving children by her side.

“Norma’s strength, kind heart, and love for her family are a testament to a life well lived,” her family wrote in an obituary.

She was born on Sept. 21, 1932, in Duval, Saskatchewan, to David and Katherine Erhardt.

“Along with her parents, Norma is predeceased by six sisters and a brother; and is now reunited with Robert, her husband of 40 years who passed away in 1993,” the tribute said.

“Norma met Bob in Niagara Falls, Ontario, where they were married on June 6, 1953. Norma and her family’s journey brought them to Altamont where they built a life surrounded by friends and grew their faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

“Norma loved her community and became a member of the auxiliary for the Altamont Fire Department. She began working at Guilderland High School as a receptionist in 1973, and later became the registrar for the Guidance Department before retiring in 1995.

“Norma’s favorite thing in life was sharing time with her loved ones. She moved down the street from her daughter and her family to have an even greater presence in their daily lives.

“Nana’s listening ear, fun-loving banter, ‘Kiss Cookie’ desserts, and hugs of unconditional love and support are among our most cherished memories.

“Norma will forever be mom to her children Patty (Darrell) Doak and Michael (Christine) Holt; and Nana to her four grandchildren Megan (Douglas) Gejay, Stephen Doak, Brendan (Bryttni) Doak, and Elizabeth Holt.

“She will be treasured as the Greatest Nana to her four great-grandbabies, Owen, Henley, Jacob, and Jackson.

“Norma’s family would like to extend a very special thank-you to the Massry Residence Assisted Living staff and our Hospice team for their loving care and support.

“Nana’s life will be remembered at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Maple Avenue in Altamont on Friday, Nov. 1, at 11 a.m.. Her family welcomes all who knew and loved Norma to celebrate her Peace as she crossed her very own Heavenly Rainbow Bridge.”

More Obituaries

  • ALTAMONT — Carol Ruth (née Bradt) Guilz, who married her high school sweetheart and was a generous friend, died peacefully at home with her family on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.

    She was the daughter of the late Edwin and Dorothy (née Mattice) Bradt, formerly of Altamont.

  • Mary Anne Ross, a long-time Guilderland math teacher and her family’s matriarch, died peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. She was 77.

    She was the beloved wife of the late Victor G. Ross and cherished partner of Mark Bremser. 

  • BERNE — Dennis “Denny” Robert Porter of Berne, a mail clerk who loved his family and who found joy in simple pleasures, died on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at The Grand at Guilderland. He was 68.

    He was born on Oct. 30, 1956, a son of the late Robert Porter and the late Esther (née Lee) Porter. 

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