Nancy Alice Fisher (née Johnston) passed away peacefully at home on June 30 with her family by her side. She was 77. For almost two years, Nancy fought advanced lung cancer with courage, humor, and gratitude. Even in the toughest moments, Nancy talked about how lucky she was to have so many wonderful people looking out for her.

Nancy was born on February 15, 1949, in Brooklyn, NY, to Eugene and Alice Johnston. She grew up in Lynbrook, NY, alongside her sister, Patricia, and her brothers, Eugene and John. After graduating from Oneonta College in 1971, Nancy worked at the volunteer agency Action, the predecessor organization to AmeriCorps.

In 1977, Nancy married her husband, Tim, with whom she shared over 49 wonderful years. They began their life together in the West Village, before moving to Pelham, NY, in 1982 to raise their children, Michael and Theresa.

Nancy became a pillar of the Pelham community. She demonstrated her commitment to service by volunteering for many organizations, including the League of Women Voters, BOCES, and the Pelham Board of Education (of which she spent eight years as president).

In 1998, Nancy began a career in state politics, working first for Assemblywoman Audrey Hochberg and then for her successor, Amy Paulin, for whom Nancy was Chief of Staff. She retired in 2021.

Nancy was highly engaged not just in work but also in current events, culture, active hobbies, and the lives of her loved ones. Her energy seemed boundless, whether she was playing pickleball, canvassing door to door, or climbing Machu Picchu. She was also curious, clever, and endlessly quotable. Nancy made her family happier every day and made her friends feel like family. She was cherished beyond measure.

Nancy is survived by her husband, son, daughter, and Friday the dog, and her three siblings and their families. She is loved and missed by many.

A Celebration of Life service will take place on Friday, July 17 at 3 PM at All Souls NYC, 1157 Lexington Avenue (at 80th Street), New York, NY 10075. Reception to follow. All who’d like to celebrate Nancy are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following organizations in Nancy’s honor:

The Columbia University Irving Medical Center Lung Cancer Research Fund. Donate online using this link, or make a gift by mail: Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Attn: Danielle Bechta, 516 West 168th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10032. Please indicate that your gift is designated for the Lung Cancer Research Fund in honor of Nancy Alice Fisher.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Donate online using this link. Please dedicate your donation to Nancy Alice Fisher.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Donate online using this link. Under “Donation Note,” please write “In memory of Nancy Alice Fisher.”

Editor’s note: This obituary was published on Legacy.com.