Col. Nancy M. Hopfenspirger, Us Army (Ret), Phd

ALBANY – Nancy M. Hopfenspirger entered eternal life on Monday, February 17, 2014, surrounded by loved ones, after a full life of service to God, country and family.  Nancy joined the US Army 63 years ago at age 25 and embarked on a military career that has been marked by a number of “firsts”.  As the first woman Provost Marshall in the United States Army, the first woman commander of a male overseas base and one of six women in the first graduating class to include women at the Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Nancy has led the way for many to follow. Through her career in serving as a Congressional Liaison Officer and Assistant Chief of Staff at the Pentagon, Nancy was motivated by the desire for personal success and for the opportunity to assist others.  Upon her 45th anniversary from Russell Sage College, her alma mater honored her significant achievements of her life by bestowing upon her the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Public Service on May 2, 1993.

Nancy was the daughter of the late Joseph and Lillian Hopfenspirger. She is survived by her brother, Joseph and his wife Jeanne; and by 8 nieces and nephews and their families.

The family would like to express gratitude to Dr. Mary Rapazzo, the Hospice team, and the special care givers for their devoted care and love for Nancy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Infant of Prague Chapel at the Teresian House, 200 Washington Ave. Ext. on Saturday morning at 11:00.  Relatives and friends are invited.  There will be no calling hours. Interment will be in the North Chatham, NY cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Community Hospice 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144, or to the Precious Blood Leper Settlement, Tanzania East Africa c/o Fr. Rebeyro, 4 Proctor Court, Loudonville, NY   12211.  To leave a message of condolence for the family or send a sympathy card, please visit HansFuneralHome.com.