ALTAMONT — Nancy Osterhout —  a loving mother, sister, grandmother, and great grandmother — died on Thursday Nov. 9, 2023. She was 90.

She was born in Albany on July 17, 1933, the daughter of the late Katherine Martino and Stillman Pitts.

“Nancy grew up on South Main Avenue in Albany along with her twin sister and brother,” her family wrote in a tribute. “Their family owned the Miss Albany Diners popular in the 1930s and ’40s. She attended The Academy of Holy Names and, after graduation, Nancy and her sister were employed at The New York Telephone Company.

“In addition to their regular jobs, they proudly represented their company in advertisements along with another set of identical twins employed there. Nancy and her sister looked so much alike and often dressed exactly the same. In fact, they even tell the story of going on a date where one sister pretended to be the other! Being a twin had a strong significance in her life and she shared a very close bond with her sister Patsy.

“Nancy was married to the late Wyman (Cookie) Osterhout in 1954. They met at Osterhout’s Indian Ladder Lodge in New Salem, a popular place to go in the 1940s and ’50s. She was on a date, and he was bartending. That did not stop the smitten bartender from flirting and successfully getting a phone number. 

“Nancy and Cookie were married for 60 years. They raised their family of four daughters in New Salem, New York. Once her children were older, Nancy was employed by Sears as well as helping her husband with the family business, The Checkered Flag bar and grill.

“In 1977, they moved to Daytona Beach, Florida and ran a small beachside restaurant together. In 1996, they moved to Pinellas Park, Florida where Nancy again worked for Sears for several years. Upon retirement, they split their time between Pinellas Park and Warners Lake.

“Nancy’s greatest joy was her family. She loved get-togethers, family trips, and was game for any adventure. For many years, she enjoyed camping trips in their Winnebago with her family and a close group of friends.

“In more recent years, as her family grew with the addition of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, family vacations became large pod events. She loved painting, playing cards, and traveling.

“If Nancy saw something she liked, such as a flower or a painting, a favorite response that she will always be remembered by was, ‘Now, that’s a beauty.’ While living in Florida, she was a member of the Spotlight Dancers, which she greatly enjoyed.

“Nancy will be missed for her reassuring presence, good nature, willingness to lend a helping hand, and sense of humor. She was always kind and never had a bad word to say about anyone.”

****

Nancy J. Osterhout is survived by her daughters, Wendy Osterhout (Robert Clifford), Heidi Moak (Michael), Cheryl Osterhout (Rick Flaherty), and Tammy Owen (Mark); her brother, Donald Pitts; and her sister, Patricia Dower.

Her stepsister, Ann Hensel, died before her.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kelsey O’Brien (Michael), Lauren Collins (Daniel), Sarah Owen, Daniel Owen, Tess Dube, Jake Dube, and Leah Clifford; by her great-grandchildren, Carson and Madison Collins, and Maisie and Lucas Obrien; and by many nieces and nephews.

“The family,” said the tribute, “would like to thank the nurses and staff at Rosewood Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, where Nancy spent the last few weeks of her life after a brief illness.

“All are welcome to join the family for a celebration of Nancy’s life. We will be gathering at Maple on the Lake, a setting that held special meaning for Nancy and her family. It will be Friday, Dec. 1, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at 141 Warners Lake Road in East Berne.”

Memorial contributions may be made to Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204.