Nancy K. Kountz

Nancy K. Kountz (nee Kirk) aged 96, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family and dedicated caregivers at Ohio Living Rockynol. Born on May 21, 1929 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Nancy was the eldest of three siblings. Nancy was the daughter of the late James Kirk and Marie Burkhardt Kirk.

She majored in English Literature at the University of Pittsburgh, where she fell in love with John Kountz. They dated and wanted to get married, but she put him off because she wanted to make sure she graduated first. They married and had their first daughter, Catherine (Katie), while John was in law school. They lived in a tiny apartment and had to walk up many flights of stairs with their baby. Nancy's parents helped them tremendously during those lean law school years.

Nancy and John raised their children: Katie, John and Elizabeth (Liz) in Mt. Lebanon, PA. Once they became empty nesters, they moved for John's business opportunities to California and Boston. Her children and grandchildren fondly remember trips to Maine for walking the Ogunquit Marginal Way, lobster dinners, swimming lessons and riding the swan boats in the Public Gardens a la Make Way for Ducklings.

When residing in Boston, Nancy received a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art from School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Tufts University. She was a very accomplished painter, and her work hung in many galleries, exhibitions and at the Pittsburgh Museum of Art. Nancy initially loved fiber arts, needlepoint and embroidery, but moved on to quilting and weaving. Sculpture, drawing and painting became her next mediums. Finally, she found her favorite material with the finicky and historical egg tempera paint. A fitting choice for someone who wanted things just so. She later taught fine arts at the Museum School, Tufts University in Boston.

Nancy was a lover of knowledge. She was a keen political observer and an avid reader. PBS Newshour was basically the only reason she owned a TV. Gardening was also a true passion- as was bacon! She believed heartily in exercise and loved to walk the hills of Pittsburgh.

Nancy valued education and travel. She and John traveled all over Europe; a favorite trip was to Egypt which inspired many of her paintings. After John's death she took most of her grandchildren on a trip, in the US or to Europe. In her later years she and Katie traveled to several destinations in Europe. Her quest to learn about each city and region were unparalleled.

Nancy was preceded in death by her loving husband, John R. Kountz, her brother James Kirk (Kathryn), her sister Carol (Binky) Butler (Jack). Her beloved sister-in-law Kathryn was truly her dearest friend. Kathryn's family graciously included Nancy in all their family gatherings. She loved the warmth, love and humor their family exuded.

Nancy loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren deeply and was deeply loved by them. She is survived by her three children Catherine Fry (Sue Lacy) of Bath, John Kountz (Irma) of Clover, South Carolina and Elizabeth Peglow (Mike) of Marco Island, Florida. She enjoyed her beloved grandchildren Alisha Fry, Jason Fry (Marika Deppmeyer), Erika Clusman (Steve), Dionna Wittberg (Neil), Margaret Peyton, Megan Kleinhenz (Kyle), David Peyton (Alex), Tim Kountz (Candace), Matt Peyton (Alaiya), Annie Bottemiller (Davis), and Ian Peyton. Nancy truly cherished her 14 great-grandchildren Lucy, Elaine, Henry, Curtis, Peyton, Matilda, Theo, Lycan, Joanna, Elias, Ella, Kenley, Arthur and Tommy.

Nancy touched many lives, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who shared in her life, treated her with kindness, and took the time to enjoy her company. Each of you held a special place in her heart.

We will be celebrating Nancy's life on April 4, 2026 at DoubleTree Hilton Ballroom, 3180 W. Market St. Visitation at 4:30 pm, Service at 5 pm, Dinner and Jazz Music 6pm.

Please send donations to Doctors Without Borders or Macular Degeneration Foundation in lieu of flowers.