PORTSMOUTH—Nancy Sayer, a loving wife, loyal friend, and dedicated teacher, passed away on January 15, 2023, at the age of 69.  She was born on July 9, 1953, to the late Haskell and Bess Mitloff.  She grew up in South Bend, Indiana and was a proud graduate of Indiana University.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 45 years, Darell Sayer, of Portsmouth, Virginia, and her brother, Norm Mitloff (Susan) of Sarasota, Florida.

Mrs. Sayer also leaves behind several generations of her students from Oscar F. Smith High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. She taught and inspired there for 35 years, serving as an instructor, coach, sponsor, mentor, role model, confidant, counselor, and friend to her students while at Smith and beyond.

Her devotion rarely stopped when the bell dismissed classes. In addition to tutoring, she attended countless games, competitions, concerts, plays, and every important school event. She sold a thousand candy bars at the concession stand and purchased even more from every student organization.

Upon her retirement, Nancy's contributions were recognized by the school in many ways. Of note, an annual award was created in her honor recognizing a deserving student's excellence in academics, athletics, and leadership. Additionally, Nancy's name now rightly joins other O.F.S. legends after being inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame. She appreciated those honors but was even more gratified when a former student would stop to thank her for her part in their adult success and happiness.

Away from the classroom, Nancy loved to exercise and was an avid hiker/walker. She attended many, many sporting events and was known to shout her advice to the I.U. Hoosiers and Chicago Cubs while watching television. She enjoyed nature and traveling to every major National Park. Nancy also liked to visit big cities and interesting small towns in America and several other countries. However, she was equally happy with pulling weeds, chatting with neighbors, and greeting neighborhood dogs.

Nancy was extremely lucky to have many friends and cherished those relationships. She had a large and diverse extended family, which was very important to her.

Nancy Sayer was robbed of her remaining years by a cruel disease called Lewy Body Dementia. She spent her last 15 months living at Harmony at Harbour View in Suffolk, Virginia, where she was made comfortable by a very compassionate staff. Her family is especially grateful for the patience and love of Irma San Miguel. Ivan Monev of Interim Hospice is a noble professional whose skill and insight will never be forgotten.

At this time, there is no cure for this disease. Please consider donating to The Lewy Body Dementia Association , 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Liburn, GA 30047. You could also honor Nancy by paying attention to an older person. She joins one of her favorite artists, John Prine, in asking you to just say "hello in there."

There will be a celebration of Nancy's life at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 26, 2023 in Portsmouth's Renaissance Hotel. If you are going to attend, please register here. Condolences may be given at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.