Nancy Jane N. Stern

Nancy Jane N. Stern died peacefully on June 30, 2024 at age 99. Born on April 10, 1925 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Edward L. Woodley Jr. and Nancy Van Hook. Nancy came to New Orleans as a teenager and graduated from Louise S. McGehee School in 1942 after being selected the May Day Queen her senior year. She attended Newcomb College graduating in 1946 with a Bachelor Degree in Fine Art, having studied in Paul Ninas’ studio, and was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.

Nancy cherished books and was an avid reader from the time she was a little girl when her grandparents gave her the Wizard of Oz series of books, which she treasured into her adulthood. She especially loved history, and in her later years learning about her Scottish ancestors (including King James the First of Scotland).

She was a lifelong learner and loved to travel. Her beloved husband, S. Walter Stern Jr., was her favorite travelling partner. He shared her love of art, food, and history, especially in France. She was a fantastic cook and enjoyed trying to recreate dishes she had in her travels when she returned home. She was fearless in her adventures, from photographing Polar Bears in Canada, to having boatmen lift her up out of a boat in Myanmar at 87 years old (a hip replacement was not going to slow her down) and finally leading her entire immediate family on a tour of Scotland at 92 years old. She wanted to share what she had learned of her Scottish roots and that she did.

She was dearly loved by so many and will be remembered for her kindness, vibrant and infectious personality. She was generous with her knowledge, enriching the experience of travelling companions with colorful research into food, art, history and culture.

She was active in numerous volunteer organizations including the Junior League of New Orleans and the Garden Study Club of America.

Nancy was married to Frank B. Williams, Walter S. Stern, and Walter Carroll, Jr., all of whom predeceased her. She is survived by her children with Frank B. Williams, daughters Delphine W. Gilly, Frances B. Williams, Elizabeth V. Williams, her son Charles S. Williams (Ashley), her grandchildren Delphine G. Stewart (Baxter), Emily G. Withrow (Wesley), Frank B. Williams (Von), and Brett A. Williams, her great grandchildren, Indigo C. Stewart, Juniper G. Stewart, and Caroline K. Williams, and Walter Stern’s daughters Carole Stern and Catherine Lichtman in addition to their children. She is also survived by her brother Vincent Nunez (Laureen) and their children Lauree (Derick) and Trey (Colleen).

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Trinity Episcopal Church in the Chapel. Visitation will start at 12 noon with the service at 1 pm. In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Newcomb Institute or the Audubon Nature Institute. Please celebrate her life with a toast to her. Her favorite was always a glass of prosecco with chocolate!