Gloria L. Van Nostrand on Ocracoke. Photo courtesy of Lisa Landrum
Gloria L. Van Nostrand, 92, died Tuesday, Feb. 6, surrounded by loved ones, at the Episcopal Church Home, Louisville, Ky.
Born May 5th, 1924, she was a native of Staten Island, N.Y., but a life-long resident of Louisville, Ky. She was married to her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Dr. Leslie Van Nostrand, for 45 years until his death in 1990.
Her zest for life was infectious. she was known for her radiant smile, effortless laugh, her thirst for knowledge, her passion for music and singing, her love of opera, theater and the arts, her strong faith and her deep, abiding love for her family.
She celebrated every meal with a toast to health and happiness, with a clink of her wine glass.
Her kindness and compassion were boundless. She loved the ocean, and spent her childhood on boats and beaches in New York.
Lisa Landrum, a granddaughter who lives on the island, said her grandmother deeply loved her summers on Ocracoke.
“The ocean, the people, everything about her time here,” Landrum said, adding that her grandmother loved shelling, walking the beach and sitting on Lum’s dock watching sunsets.
Lisa’s mother, Gloria J. Van Nostrand, said about her mother, “Nana would always say, ‘Oh, my. How I love Ocracoke.’ “
In addition to Landrum and Van Nostrand, Gloria is survived by three sons, David A. Van Nostrand, Allan F. Van Nostrand and Russell L. Van Nostrand; a sister, Joan G. Smith; grandchildren, Sarah, Meg and Daniel Van Nostrand; a great-granddaughter, Winnifried Henke; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins, who cherished her dearly.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Gloria’s devoted caregivers, who loved and honored her: Beverly Carthen, Pam Dickey, Diana Hill, Tanya Vega and Frances Foyah.
Expressions of sympathy: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Crescent Hill Baptist Church, 2800 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, or Hosparus, Advancement Department, 3532 Ephraim McDowell Drive, Louisville, KY 40205-3224.
