Rensselaer- Nancy E. Pratt Van Detta age 78 years passed away Monday, January 25, 2016 at her residence. Nancy was born in Albany and was a lifelong resident of the city of Rensselaer. Mrs. Van Detta was employed by NY Telephone for many years, St. Mary's Hospital in Troy, was a waitress and hostess at various restaurants and after she retired she volunteered her time in service of others. As a young girl she played French horn in the Mount St. John's Drum and Bugle Corps-The Valiant Crusaders, where she met the love of her life Bob. Nancy was also a self taught pianist, enjoyed gardening but her biggest joy was watching and caring for her grandchildren. Nancy was devout in her faith and was a communicant of Historic St. Mary's Church in Albany. Devoted wife of 56 years to Robert A. Van Detta, Sr. Daughter of the late Norman H. and Elsie M. Pratt. Loving mother of Robert A. (Sarah E. Kayser) Van Detta, Jr., Kevin (Theresa Fickett) Van Detta, Mary Catherine (Thomas) Mc Cann, and Joseph M. (Saber) Van Detta. Beloved grandmother of Michael, Matthew, Sara, Rachel, Olive, Luca, Lexi and Thea. Sister of Patricia E. Bourdeau, Mary T. (Al) Holmquist, Beverly A. Ryan, Rita M. Burns, James F. (Ann) Pratt and the late E. Marie Griffin, Helen L. Pratt, Margaret L. Shook, Thomas H., Walter S., Edward J. and Norman H. Pratt, Jr. Sister-in-law of Dolores and Eileen Pratt. She is also survived by 180 nieces and nephews. Funeral from the W. J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home 1700 Washington Avenue Rensselaer Thursday at 9:00 and 10:00 at St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Church, Herrick St., where the Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be offered. Relatives and friends are invited and may call to the funeral home Wednesday from 4-8 PM. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush. Due to Nancy's giving nature contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.