Nancy Hirstein

Nancy Stafford Hirstein NORFOLK - After a 12-year battle with Alzheimer's disease, Nancy Stafford Hirstein died July 5, 2010, at her home in Norfolk with her family at her side. She was born in High Point, N.C., Oct. 5, 1928. Her parents and younger sister preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Robert; sons, James of Ribeauvillé, France and William of Elmhurst, Ill.; and daughter, Ann Maydosz of Norfolk. Six grandchildren complete the family. Ms. Hirstein was a quintessential Navy wife and mother. If asked, she would say that the family's move to Japan in the 1960s was the highlight of her life. She became greatly immersed in Japanese language and culture. She chose and inspired the family to choose to embrace Japanese culture and customs rather than confining themselves to the American culture of the Navy base. Mr. Hirstein taught English at a Japanese school, learned Japanese and collected many unique artifacts from Japan. She was active with the Japanese Naval Officers Wives group, making friends, some of whom she corresponded with for many years. Mr. Hirstein earned her undergraduate degree at Old Dominion University in 1970. Her return to college heralded another infusion of culture for the family. As Ms. Hirstein took the required courses for her degree in library science, she brought home the scientific, historical and theoretical information from her classes to enrich her family's understanding of the world. She was employed by Norfolk Public Schools as a school librarian for 13 years following her graduation, and had many fond memories of the children and colleagues she served. She entered the Norfolk Public Schools during a period of integration and communicated her attitude of acceptance to her colleagues, students and children. When she retired, she immersed herself in the lives of her family. Before her disease progressed, she exercised, read voraciously and spent unlimited time with all members of her family. Her passions were language and semantics and she worked tirelessly to urge her family to speak and write correctly. Her family knew that whatever was happening in their lives, it was always certain that there would be at least one person who supported them no matter what. At her request, no services will be held. Cremation Society of Virginia is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.cremate.org.