Nancy Osterweis Alderman, 85, a resident of the New Haven area for her entire life, died peacefully, surrounded by family members, at Yale-New Haven Hospital on Jan. 1, 2025, after months of pulmonary illness. She was born on March 16, 1939, in New Haven, Conn., the daughter of Rollin G. Osterweis and Ruth Loewenstein Osterweis.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Myles Alderman; her loving children, Myles Alderman, Jr. (Linda) of West Hartford and William Alderman (Lori Goldenberg) of Danbury; her cherished grandchildren, Myles III, Kelsea, Mackenzie, and Brooks; her numerous nieces and nephews; and her sister, Ruth O. Selig. She was predeceased by her sisters, Sally O. Kopman and Rollyn O. Krichbaum.
She started college with the class of 1960 at Connecticut College and completed her bachelor’s studies at Yale University in 1994. She subsequently earned her Master of Environmental Science degree from Yale School of the Environment in 1997.
Nancy was an initiator in the movement to protect human health from environmental harms. She worked closely with physicians, scientists, and the general public to help identify carcinogens and other toxins (such as asbestos, radon, formaldehyde, PFAS, flame retardants, diesel exhaust fumes, synthetic turf, fracking, wood smoke, and BPA). Nancy spearheaded efforts with governors, attorneys general and legislators to implement laws, rules, and regulations to mitigate these risks.
Nancy Alderman founded or led numerous environmental and community organizations and initiatives, including but not limited to: Environment & Human Health, Inc, Picnic in the Park for The New Haven Symphony Orchestra and the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, Eli Whitney Folk Festival, and the Farmington Canal Rail-to-Trail Organization. She served on the boards of the following organizations: Environmental Defense Fund, Connecticut Fund for the Environment, New Haven Symphony, New Haven Colony Historical Society, Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, and The Foote School Association. She served on the Connecticut Governor’s Pollution Task Force, the Advisory Board of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Governor Weicker’s Committee on Greenways for the State of Connecticut, and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Task Force.
Following her graduation from the Yale School of the Environment, Nancy founded Environment & Human Health, Inc., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting human health from environmental harms through research, education and the promotion of sound public policy. Environment & Human Health, Inc. is composed of doctors, public health professionals and policy experts committed to the reduction of environmental health risks to individuals.
Her contributions to the protection of human health and the environment have been recognized by numerous organizations, including: The Connecticut Bar Association Environmental Law Section’s Clyde Fisher Award in recognition of her significant contribution to the preservation of environmental quality through work in the fields of environmental law and environmental protection, The New England Public Health Association’s Robert C. Huestis/Eric Mood Award for outstanding contributions to public health in the environmental health area, The National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides Award for vision and leadership advancing knowledge and action to protect health and the environment, The Trust for Public Land in recognition of a successful partnership in creating the Farmington Canal Trail, and the Foote School Alumni Achievement Award. She was an Associate Fellow of Benjamin Franklin College at Yale University.
Those interested in learning more about Nancy’s work can find her papers, speeches, letters, testimonies and other publications at the Whitney Library in the New Haven Museum.
Nancy loved time with family and friends, engaging in spirited discourse with levity and laughter. She looked forward to hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas. She loved and was immensely proud of her immediate and extended family. For years, Nancy was a competitive tennis player and outdoor enthusiast, who enjoyed walks in the woods, cross-country skiing, and bicycling. She cherished time in the mountains of Vermont and a joyful “cocktail hour.” Nancy loved classical music and introducing her favorite pieces to her family. She was always learning and took delight in sharing her new insights with others.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, Jan. 19, 11:00 am at Congregation Mishkan Israel, 785 Ridge Road, Hamden, Connecticut. The Robert E. Shure & Son Funeral Home, New Haven, is in care of Arrangements. To sign an online registry book or to leave a message of condolence, please visit; www.shurefuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Nancy’s memory to Environment & Human Health, Inc., c/o Gaboury Benoit Yale School of the Environment, 205 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511.