Nancy “Aunt Nan” Lindquist

Born on November 18, 1939, in Falconer, New York, Nancy was the daughter of the late C. Kenneth and Eva A. Cobb Lindquist. She graduated from Falconer High School and attended Alfred University before beginning what would become a distinguished 42-year career in the airline industry.

Nancy’s career began with North Central Airlines, continued through Southern Airways and Northwest Airlines, where she retired in 2002. Her career opened the door to one of her greatest passions–travel. Aunt Nan was a true world traveler whose curiosity never faded. She was always planning her next adventure, eager to experience another destination, another culture, or simply another corner of the world. Even in her final days, her desire to see more of the world remained.

While Nancy had no children of her own, she became something even more special to her family: simply, “Aunt Nan.” She helped shape the lives of generations of nieces and nephews, and later their children and grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.

She never forgot a birthday or Christmas, and no high school graduate in the family ever wondered whether Aunt Nan would remember them–she always did. Her graduation gifts became the stuff of family legend, given with thoughtfulness, generosity, and pride in each young person’s accomplishments.

Family gatherings were never complete without Aunt Nan settling in at the table long after the meal had ended, a glass of wine nearby, ready for another round of cards or Yahtzee. Whether playing games, telling stories, or delivering one of her perfectly timed jokes, she had an unmatched sense of humor and an effortless ability to make people laugh. That wit stayed with her until her final moments, a reflection of the joy and resilience that defined her life.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her older brothers Charles “Chuck” and Rodney Lindquist, her infant sister, Patricia, and her niece, Debora Lindquist-Smith.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews: Steve Lindquist, Kathy Hedstrand, Karen Watson, Scott Lindquist, Marcia Klepfer, Jeffrey Lindquist, Randy Lindquist, and Diane Zoltowski, along with many great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews who were all fortunate enough to know and love her as Aunt Nan. Nancy is also survived by her friend-for-life, her “sister,” and tremendous roommate for 20 years, Linda Rosalez of Glen Allen, Virginia.

Aunt Nan’s legacy is found not only in the miles she traveled, but in the countless birthdays remembered, graduations celebrated, games played around the kitchen table, and laughter shared with those she loved. Though she will be deeply missed, her stories, generosity, adventurous spirit, and unmistakable laugh will continue to live on through the generations of family whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations made in Aunt Nan’s memory be sent to Autism Resource Mom, a nonprofit founded by her niece, the late Debora Lindquist Smith, which provides support, guidance and hope to over 1500 families on the autism spectrum across America.

Donations are gratefully accepted at https://autismresourcemom.org/donate/ or by contacting mike@autismresourcemom.org.