Nancy Ann Altman

Nancy Ann Altman, who loved to be called “Nana” by her grandkids, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family and friends on Saturday, July 17, 2021, after a long and courageous fight with pancreatic cancer.

A true sweetheart, Nancy was born on Valentine’s Day 1948 to Alfred and Lillian (Charlotte) Lilly, the eldest of three girls. After graduating from Charleston Catholic High School and St. Mary’s School of Nursing, she became a Navy nurse during the Vietnam War. Throughout her life, Nancy worked as a nurse in various capacities including emergency and trauma, long term care and addiction nursing.

Nancy was a proud mother to three children and a beloved wife. She adored her husband and the moments that they shared, whether traveling the world or simply playing a game of cribbage at home!

One of her most cherished roles though was that of Nana. She treasured spending time with her six grandchildren whether playing card games, painting with them, cheering for them at their sporting events, plays or concerts, talking with them and most especially, taking photos of them! No moment was too small to be recorded by Nana! She ended every conversation with “I love you little, I love you big...” and the grandkids knew just what to say back!

Nancy loved people and will be remembered as a shining light to the many communities that she served including her church, the many women fellowship meetings, the International Nurses Society on Addictions and the Foundation for Addiction Nursing, and her voting precinct where she became the chief judge. She will be deeply missed.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Jerome Altman; her children and their spouses Joseph and Rhonda Schenk, Jennifer and Matthew Schenk-Turner, and Joanne and Kevin Goodchild; her grandchildren, Henry Schenk, Ryland Turner, Cadyn Turner, Dona Goodchild, Charlotte Goodchild and Josey Goodchild; her sisters Martha Lilly and Rebecca and Martin Mazzella and nephews and nieces, all of whom loved her dearly. She is also remembered with affection by her first husband and his wife, Joseph and Gloria Schenk; and her former sister-in-law and her husband, Janet and Bill Brewer.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at McEwen Funeral Service, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, North Carolina and a Celebration of Life on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church, 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Foundation of Addiction Nursing in memory of Nancy Altman online at https://www.intnsa.org/about-us/fan/donation/ or by mail at FAN, 3416 Primm Lane, Birmingham, Alabama 35216.