Passing of AOTF Honorary Lifetime Member Nancy Vesper (Snyder) Lieftinck

We recently learned of the passing of Honorary Lifetime Member of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), Nancy Vesper (Snyder) Lieftinck.

Following completion of her undergraduate degree in occupational therapy at Ohio State University (OSU), Nancy Vesper Lieftinck immediately began her first job as a staff occupational therapist in 1954 at the Department of Physical Medicine, treating persons with polio. Reflecting on her career, she indicated that her most significant accomplishments occurred as chairperson of ACOTE, in which she developed a streamlined system for program evaluation during her 9 years of service on the council. As an acknowledged leader in occupational therapy, she served the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) generously, completing two terms as president of AOTF from 1969 to 1976 and 1985 to 1989. Under her direction, the AOTF Board of Directors established the AOTF state scholarship program and hired the Foundation's first full-time executive director. In 2003, she was honored with the distinct designation of Honorary Life Membership by the board of directors of the AOTF and was also recognized with the Leadership Commendation Award in 2012 for her many contributions and distinguished service. In addition, Nancy was inducted into the Roster of Fellows of AOTA in 1975 and received the Retired Educator’s Award in 2003. The Fred Sammons Volunteer Recognition Award was presented to her in 2020 by the AOTF, and she is listed in Who’s Who in Rehabilitation. 

To send condolences, you may visit Nancy Lieftinck Obituary - Columbus, OH (dignitymemorial.com)