Nancy Petsinger Oliphant

April 15, 1935 – January 12, 2020

Nancy Petsinger Oliphant, esteemed early childhood educator, died Sunday, January 12, 2020 at the age of 84.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 60 years, John Edward Oliphant; her son, Mark Oliphant and wife Barbara; her daughter, Cari Kerkhoff and wife Allison; her granddaughter, Meagan Herman and husband Shaun; her granddaughter, Kate Oliphant and husband Trey; her great-granddaughter, Harper Herman; her cousin, Blanche Johnson and husband Howard; and many cherished friends.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Nancy received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Westminster College in 1956 and her master's degree in Elementary Education from Penn State University in 1958. Nancy was widely recognized in Austin, Texas as a leader in early childhood education. From 1984-2006, she served as Director of several preschools and child development centers, leading her own and many other centers to achieve accreditation with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (N.A.E.Y.C.). Nancy also led professional development seminars for Austin area directors, mentored aspiring teachers and directors, and served as an Instructor in Child Development at Austin Community College. In 1993, the Austin Association for the Education of Young Children (A.A.E.Y.C.) presented her with the Mabel Pitts Award "for significant contribution towards the lives of young children in Austin."

After retirement, Nancy continued working for the benefit of children, serving as a volunteer tutor at elementary schools in Sedona, AZ and Ashburn, VA. An active member of the Ashby Ponds Retirement Community in Ashburn, Nancy brought joy to the lives of friends and neighbors on a daily basis. She will long be remembered for her kind and generous spirit, and her continuous efforts toward improving the lives of others.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy's memory may be sent to the Child Development Center's scholarship fund at Manchaca United Methodist Church Child Development Center, P.O. Box 460, Manchaca, TX 78652. (Checks only. Please make payable to "Manchaca UMC–CDC" and reference "scholarship fund/Nancy Oliphant.")