Nancy Elizabeth Osborn

OSBORN Nancy Elizabeth (Marsh) Nancy Elizabeth Osborn (Marsh) passed away in her home Sunday, December 31, 2006. A native of Chicago, IL, she studied at the Chicago Institute of Art and graduated from Burroughs Accounting and Bryant Business College. During WWII, she worked at the Illinois Central Railroad in their central offices where she was in charge of rationing, which was so necessary to our war effort at that time. She married Lt. Col. Norton J. Osborn on his return from the European Theatre of War in the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago, IL on September 7, 1946. He transferred to Toledo in 1952 with A.O. Smith, who had the government contract for B-47 and B-52 landing gear, on Laskey Road (later occupied by Teledyne). She waited out her son's school semester before coming to Toledo and on arrival found Norton had already enrolled her in our museum's classes with Naomi Powell, Hal Lotterman, Ernie Mall, and James Barbee. She also studied oils with Iseral Abramofsky and joined Ernie Spring's watercolor classes and took several workshops with nationally known artists. She consistently exhibited each year in the Toledo Area Artists Exhibition at the Museum for over 25 years. In 1965, the museum honored her work in a joint exhibition with Bowling Green State University LaVern Hill and his hand wrought silver in their Gallery Series of 8. She served as Vice-President of the Federation of Art Societies and chaired sales for the area show at the museum for over 10 years. In 1958, with the then Director of Libraries, Mr. Franklin, she started the program of "Art in the Libraries" which continued for over 12 years and featured our Toledo artists and included photographers under Bruce Sinner, and the high schools under Frank Turner. In 1971, she saw a Victor Vasarely art exhibition in Canada and his use of color in a large tapestry inspired her to try applying the techniques of painting using this media and so evolved her textiles of abstract flowers and design. The Blade featured them in a full length article in their December 28, 1975, Sunday Magazine Section and the Better Homes and Gardens in their 1976 edition and they also were written up in two art books. In 1978, the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, OH exhibited her work in a solo exhibition. Owens Illinois purchased "Moon Flowers" and "Tiger Lilies" for their permanent collection and "Red Velvet" won first prize in the Fine Arts Division of the Ohio Fair. In 1963, the U.S. Department of State sent one of her oils for an extended exhibition to our embassy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Nancy Kefauver's "Art in the Embassies Program" sent two oils over seas for a two year exhibit. In 1959 she headed a drive for the University of Toledo's libraries and offices and several of our best known artists contributed their work to the University. At the opening ceremony for the 55th Area Artist Show at the museum, the Federation of Art Societies presented Nancy with the "Honor Award" for outstanding service and contributions to fostering art in Toledo. She was a member of the Ursula Wolcott and Black Swamp chapter of the DAR where she served as Treasurer and Chaplain. She was also a member of the Toledo Artist Club and the Toledo Museum of Art. She was very proud of her honorary memberships at American Legion Post #335, 43rd Infantry Division Veteran's Association and "Winged Victory Division", Rhode Island. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Norton J. Osborn; her mother, Helen Hunter Edwards of Chicago, IL; sister, Sherriel Edwards Foohty of New York City; brother, Paul James Edwards of Chicago, IL; and great-granddaughter, Abigail Marsh of Lambertville, MI. She is survived by her son, Leslie A. Marsh Jr., of Toledo; grandsons, Leslie A. Marsh III (Amy) of Lambertville, MI, Donald J. Marsh, of Sylvania, OH; great-granddaughter, Diana Marsh of Lambertville, MI; nieces, Patsey Edwards Honon, of Raliegh, NC, Roberta Edwards Myer of Chicago, IL; Patsy Gee Clausterman (Don) of Coventry, RI, and Carolyn Gee Glanz (Barney) of Bogeda Bay, CA and nephew, John Edwards (Nancy) of Chicago, IL. The family will receive friends at Christ Presbyterian Church, 4225 W. Sylvania Ave. after 12:00 Noon on Wednesday with funeral services following at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Thomas Schwartz officiating. Interment will be at Toledo Memorial Park in the Veteran's section beside her husband. The Walker Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider the Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Artist Club, or the charity of their choice. Online condolences may be sent to www.walkerfuneralhomes.com