Richtol, Nancy A.

ALBANY- Nancy Anne Richtol, 56, passed away quietly on Sunday, December 28, 2014 in the company of her loving wife and family. She was blessed by the love of so many friends, colleagues and students, and the compassionate care of Hospice and medical professionals.

Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1958 to Hal and the late Iris Richtol, raised in Troy, New York, Nancy or “Noonie” as her sisters called her, is survived by her sisters, Susan Marschilok (Stephen), Elise Richtol, brother Michael Richtol, and sister-in-law Cheryl. Nancy legally married her beloved wife Patrice Hollman in February, 2012 after it became legal in New York State.

Nancy was a devoted aunt and incredibly proud of her three strong and inspiring nieces, Amanda, Allison, and Caroline. And she was the loving granddaughter of 106 year old Rose Klar who passed in December.

“Ms. Richtol” was passionate about her job and loved teaching literacy at Algonquin Middle School in Averill Park, NY where her students and colleagues are sure to remember her fondly for her unwavering, skillful and enthusiastic encouragement of their success. Algonquin is a place where Nancy was completely appreciated for her work, where teachers and administrators always put the kids first and where colleagues supported each other.Nancy was grateful for the Averill Park Central School District’s comprehensive employee health care plan.

Hearing Billy Joel’s song “We Didn’t Start the Fire” is sure to remind her students of the Friday dance ritual that not only helped them remember history but lightened up learning.And some others might recall during trying times in their lives, IOTBFIO - Nancy’s not so subtle reminder, “It’s on the board, figure it out". Nancy was the Averill Park Lady Warriors basketball team’s biggest fan. She loved being court side and spent every minute cheering on her favorite team.Thank you Stephanie Dolson (UConn and Washington Mystics) for reaching out.

Nancy brought so much life to her work.She graduated from Troy High School in 1975 and SUNY Brockport in 1979, worked at Camp CeDaCa and was co-owner for B.A. Gels on Lark Street from 1985-2000.Completed her master’s degree at SAGE College of Albany.

Nancy was born with the fires of all the strong Jewish women in her family.She touched people whereever she went and expanded the boundaries of family.Loved by friends, co-workers, bagel customers and students, Nancy created new family after she was diagnosed in April 2012 with stage 4 lung cancer.

“Team Nancy” had many chapters: FamNancy, Algonquin Team Nancy, and even a Whidbey Island Team Nancy in Washington State.Nancy’s radiant energy attracted attracted instant recruits to Team Nance with prayer groups on cruise ships and beaches in Playa del Carmen.

Sisterss Susan and Elise are mountains of strength, and were with Nancy every step of the way opening medical doors. Nancy’s dear dad, Pops, helped us celebrate along the way.Nancy was cared for dearly by friends Nancy Snow, Sally George, Lauraine Denault, Maureen Clifford, Mary Jude Spiegel and Billy Creitz.

Angels met us at every turn when we packed exam and hospital rooms with friends and family.Prayers were answered when so many health care practitioners where put in front of Nancy including NYOH staff (Dr. Nini Wu, Cathy H, Jenn, Gerri, Shannon and all the nurse angels who work in the treatment room) and St. Peter’s staff (Dr. Duncan Savage, Debbie, Teresa, Carol, Vanessa, Merline, Patty, Pat and Sharon). Rock stars one and all. We’re grateful for Dr Stephanie Carderella at Dana Farber, Dr Renato Martins at Seattle Cancer Care, Dr Daniel Ruan at Brigham and Women's Hospital, our AWESOME nurse case manager Grace Thedinga at CDPHP, and St Peter's Lymphedema Clinic staffers Mary and Kate who attended to Nance with grace and kindness in addition to having that magical touch. Also big thank yous to St. Peter's Stephanie (NYOH) and Julie (palliative care) who got Nance back on the right road that allowed her to enjoy the best summer ever, lakeside. Special thanks to Marilyn Lapodolous for her many batches of life sustaining homemade chicken soup. Good to the last drop, always. And thanks to Belinda at NYSR and Cindy S. at NYSTR who helped with retirement paperwork. Those lazy days of retirement allowed Patrice and Nance the time to enjoy each and every moment together.

For 25 years, Nancy spent summers at camp on Lake Lauderdale.Starry, starry nights, laughter, grilling, reading, talking about books, visiting with the neighbors, and walks through the park.She’s sure to be remembered sitting lakeside, under the willow tree, drinking a cup of coffee.

Since the diagnosis, Nancy and Patrice, with family & friends have eked and squeezed out every bit of life of each day. Cancer didn’t crush Nancy’s spirit; it just prioritized the most important things - coffee with colleagues, visits with her grandmother, and talks with Patrice .Even though Nancy had hoped to return to her beloved classroom, it’s clear that she taught those around her about the celebration of life. Nancy leaves the world having done so many things - she just wanted to do more of it with all of you.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 5, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in Berith Sholom, 167 Third St., Troy, NY. Nancy will be buried in the Jewish tradition at the Albany Rural Cemetery. Immediately following the burial all are invited back to the Temple for The Meal of Consolation. A celebration of her life is planned for June 21, 2015.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send donations to Lake Lauderdale Improvement Assoc., Childrens Fishing Tournament, P.O. Box 527, Cambridge, NY 12816. To honor Nancy’s spirit of always putting others first, we’re encouraged to pay it forward. Do something nice for someone, maybe even yourself - have a cup of coffee, read a book. May Nancy’s life nurture our generosity to the causes we care about.