Nancy Botbyl Burghardt, 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on September 11, 2026, in Reston, Virginia.

Nancy was born with her identical twin, Mary, in New York City to John Christian Botbyl and Helyne Elizabeth Requa Smith Botbyl on October 31, 1942. She grew up in Monsey, New York, in the very house where her mother had been born. After graduating from Spring Valley High School, Nancy attended Gettysburg College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Music and Education.

Gettysburg College was also where Nancy met her husband, George Charles Burghardt III, in a dance class. They married shortly after graduation and began what would become nearly 60 years of marriage. Nancy initially began her career as a teacher, but when George was called to serve as a tanker pilot during the Vietnam War, she embraced a new chapter as a military wife. Pregnant with their first daughter, Jennifer, Nancy moved to Texas to be with George. Within a year, they welcomed their second daughter, Kimberly.

After George completed his military service, the family moved to Coral Springs, Florida, where he began a career as a commercial pilot with Eastern Airlines. Eventually, their journey led them to Northern Virginia, where they could be closer to Nancy’s twin sister, Mary Dunlop. Being near her treasured “womb mate” brought Nancy immense happiness and comfort.

Throughout her life, whatever role she took on, Nancy brought dedication and a genuine willingness to help others. Her faith was also a very important part of who she was, and she remained deeply involved in her church throughout the years, faithfully serving God and her community.

Nancy’s bright smile touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She enjoyed classical music, reading, puzzles, and games, but above all, she treasured her family.

Nancy was predeceased by her beloved husband, George, and her parents. She was also preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Dr. Kimberly Burghardt Sutter, whose tragic passing in 2018, at the age of 51, left a profound loss from which Nancy never fully recovered. We find comfort in knowing that Nancy is no longer in pain and has been reunited with her parents, her husband, and her beloved daughter.

Nancy is survived by her loving and devoted daughter, Jennifer Burghardt (Fiancé Jamie O’Connor and his children Kelsey and Austin); her twin sister, companion, and protector, Mary Dunlop; her cherished grandchildren and son-in-law, Kate, Cole, and Mick Sutter (Fiancée Robin Goelman); her nephew, Sean Dunlop (Connie), and their twin daughters, Elizabeth and Emma; and her niece, Allison King (Larry), and her daughter, Cassidy Angelo (Jacob).

A memorial service will be held on October 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. James’ Episcopal Church, 14 Cornwall St NW, Leesburg, VA 20176. Please note that the church does not permit flowers to be displayed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Nancy’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or another charity of your choice.