Nancy Louise Nitz Kordestani, 82, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend passed away on December 23, 2024, in Saratoga, California.

Nancy was born on March 21, 1942, in Pocatello, Idaho. As a toddler she moved to Alaska with her family and lived there before it was a state.  They later moved to St. Louis, Missouri where the Nitz family would live for several decades. Nancy attended Grace Lutheran Elementary School and Lutheran High School Central, where she was in the pep club, sang in the choir, and served on student council. She then pursued her passion for mathematics at the University of Missouri, where she earned both a bachelor's degree in Mathematics  and a Master's Degree in Education. Plus she graduated  Cum Laude. With a deep love for learning and teaching, she dedicated her career to inspiring students as a mathematics teacher at Florissant Junior High School. Her enthusiasm and commitment left a lasting impact on countless young minds.

Nancy also earned something else at the University of Missouri, she earned a title of Mrs. Kordestani.  Nancy met George Kordestani in the Mizzou Library one night when he approached the table she was studding at and asked if he could carry her books home.  They were later engaged on November 22, 1963 (the same day President Kennedy was shot) and were married by her father Rev. G.E. Nitz on Easter Sunday, April 18,1965. We are just a month shy of their 60th Wedding Anniversary.  Later an opportunity arose for them in George's native country of Iran, and they briefly lived in Tehran while George worked for Standard Oil Company.  Tehran turned out not to be their forever home so they returned to St. Louis with baby Kayvon in toe where they would live until one summer when they literally traded houses with Nancy's sister Miriam, who had previously moved to San Jose, CA but was terribly homesick for Missouri.  The Kordestani's, which now included Said, went for a summer vacation visit and fell in love with California and the rest is history.

Beyond the classroom, Nancy's creativity knew no bounds. She had an extraordinary talent for design and artistry, which she channeled into costume creation for the San Jose Children's Musical Theater and John Bisceglie Presents. Her work brought performances to life with vibrant costumes that reflected her keen eye for detail and imaginative spirit. Her dedication to the arts extended into her community through volunteer work with Villa Montalvo (she ran their summer luncheon program), The San Jose Kiwanis Club (she was an original founder of their Christmas Tree Lot, work in their Christmas in the Park food booth and created their yearly Administrator's Day bouquets) and the Saratoga School District, where her generosity and outstanding service were recognized with the honorary service award.

After Nancy became disabled in 2004, she continued to be very active in the community.  She was a permanent fixture at many local theater groups and she also attended daily classes at West Valley College and Skills Plus.  She met many wonderful people in these programs and inspired others with her positive attitude and big smile.  She never let her limitations stop her and she continued to live life to it's fullest.

Nancy embraced life with boundless energy and an adventurous spirit. She found joy in bowling, oil painting, ice skating, sewing, playing the piano, costume and makeup design, reading books, solving puzzles, live theater, and going to the movies. No challenge was too great for her "can do" attitude—she approached every endeavor with determination and skill. Above all else, she cherished the time spent with family and was an unwavering caregiver to those she loved.

She is survived by her beloved husband, George Kordestani; her children Kayvon Kordestani and Said Kordestani; her son-in-law Ren Thompson; her daughter-in-law Jennifer Geddings Kordestani; and her grandchildren Gavin Kordestani, Bobbie Thompson, and Trevor Kordestani. She also leaves behind her sisters Miriam Nitz Porter, Christine Nitz Cunningham, Connie Nitz Peters, Sharon Nitz Clifford, and Cindy Nitz Ritter. Additionally, she is fondly remembered by several nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Gerhardt Ernst Nitz and William Edna Kahm Nitz; and her her brother Mark Steven Nitz.

Nancy's legacy of kindness, creativity, and devotion to family will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those she loved.

In lieu of flowers, pleases consider making a donation in Nancy's name to her Adult Therapeutic Program Skills Plus.

https://santaclaraadulted.asapconnected.com/#DonationID=1132