Nancy Oltman O'Brien

Nancy was born in Evanston, Illinois to Walter and Etoile Oltman. She came to St. Petersburg with her family at the age of 17 after graduating from high school. Nancy attended St. Petersburg Junior College and the University of Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She was voted University of Florida’s “Sweetheart of the Year” in 1952.

Nancy taught school at Childs Park Elementary and Woodlawn Elementary, grades 1 through 5, in St. Petersburg. She also taught school in Fort Wayne, Indiana and on a U.S. army base in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She later followed her passion for plants and started her own business, Nob Hill Nursery, which placed indoor ornamental plants in many businesses throughout Pinellas County. She and her business earned a feature story in the St. Petersburg Times, June 26, 1996.

Nancy had many interests and a real zest for life. She was an enthusiastic golfer and played often. She loved travel and adventure, and enjoyed many trips with her children and grandchildren. Some of her most memorable trips were to the Amazon and to Australia. She was an active member of the Rotary Club of Seminole for many years and served as Secretary. She especially enjoyed volunteering at their charity events. Over the years, she also liked to explore her creative side and traveled to Oregon for several painting retreats. After each retreat, she was excited to bring back her many works of art and give them to her children. Nancy was a proud Florida Gator and remained an enthusiastic fan throughout her life.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, William Oltman. She is survived by her three children, Michael O’Brien Jr., Jennifer O’Brien, and Dianna O’Brien Bergmiller, and her two grandchildren Brigit Bergmiller and Leo Bergmiller.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.