Aina Nergaard Nammack, accomplished artist

Aina Nergaard Nammack, 96, of Lewes, passed away peacefully Monday, April 20, 2026, surrounded by her beloved children. Aina was born March 12, 1930, in Santander, Spain, daughter of the late Federico Nergaard and Anita Dominguez Nergaard.

Growing up in Sevilla, she spent her childhood playing tennis and swimming, though she also developed a love for skiing while attending boarding school in Norway during World War II. Her father, the Norwegian consul in Sevilla, instilled in her a lifelong value for sportsmanship – a trait she carried into her teens when she competed as the only girl on an all-boys swim team. Later in life, her four children would vividly remember her teaching them the game of tennis, spending hours together on the courts under the hot sun.

After marrying John Austin Nammack and the birth of their first child, Aina courageously left her family in Spain to begin a new chapter on Long Island. The couple first met in Rota, Spain, while John was serving in the U.S. Air Force – a meeting that sparked a vibrant, 68-year journey across the globe. Aina’s life was defined by adventure and transition, calling 15 different residences home over the decades. Her journey took her from the bustling streets of Manhattan and Long Island to the vibrant culture of São Paulo, Brazil; through the heart of the Midwest in Minneapolis and Minnetonka, Minnesota; and eventually to Alexandria, Va., and Lewes. Deeply proud of her Norwegian citizenship and Spanish heritage, Aina remained connected to her roots even as she embraced her adopted home. In 1976, after 18 years of residency, she officially became a U.S. citizen, a milestone she held with great honor.

Aina was a consummate host who delighted in sharing the flavors of her heritage, often welcoming guests with authentic paella, Spanish omelets, and carafes of sangria. Throughout her years in Alexandria, she remained deeply connected to her community, finding joy in the company of her cherished circle of Spanish friends and her professional colleagues in real estate.

However, it was on the western shores of the Atlantic in Lewes that Aina found her "happy place." Her lifelong affinity for the coast was rooted in her beginnings in Santander and the many summers spent in Punta Umbria, a passion she passed on to her children through visits to Fire Island, Jones Beach, Atlantic Beach Club and Hempstead Bay.

In Lewes, she struck a beautiful balance between her creative discipline and a vibrant social life. While she dedicated on average five hours a day to her painting, she remained an active and beloved figure in the community. Whether she was practicing yoga and tai chi, walking with her friends, attending Osher Lifelong Learning classes, or enjoying the camaraderie of her weekly happy hour gang, Aina’s warmth and zest for life earned her many lasting friendships.

Aina’s true essence was found in her art, a passion ignited at the age of 14 that remained her North Star for the rest of her life. During her early years on Long Island, her dedication was legendary; she would frequently board the train to Manhattan, children in tow, to hand-deliver her latest works to buyers. This tireless work ethic laid the foundation for a remarkably productive career as a painter and sculptor. Her vibrant acrylics and expressive sculptures earned her a place in numerous prestigious juried exhibitions. Her work graced the walls of galleries in São Paulo, Brazil, as well as the Touchstone Gallery, The Art League in Alexandria, Rehoboth Art League, Gallery 50, CAMP Rehoboth and Peninsula Gallery. Beyond her own studio, she shared her gift with others, teaching art at Friends Academy in Glen Cove during her time in Sea Cliff, N.Y. Ever versatile, Aina later channeled her energy into real estate as her children entered college. Her natural charisma led her to the Million Dollar Club while selling homes for Coldwell Banker in Alexandria, Va. However, her heart always belonged to the canvas. Upon settling in Lewes, she rededicated herself exclusively to her craft.

The later years of her career were marked by significant milestones, including her 2018 solo exhibition, My Countries, My Composers, at the Biggs Museum in Dover, and a celebrated solo retrospective at Rehoboth Art League in 2021. Her biannual spring and fall art sales became highly anticipated community events, drawing a loyal following of admirers who cherished both her talent and her spirit. Aina’s legacy lives on through the countless canvases that continue to bring beauty and light to the world.

Above all, Aina’s greatest devotion was to her family. She served as an extraordinary role model, embodying the importance of carving out one’s own path and pursuing it with unwavering dedication. Through her guidance, she instilled the values of respect, courtesy and a formidable work ethic in her children. A constant pillar of support, she championed her family's unique journeys and celebrated their individual passions without hesitation. Her legacy lives on in the strength and integrity she fostered in those she loved most.

She is survived by her four children, her daughter, Marta Frimann Nammack (Francis Murphy) of Richmond, Va.; son, John Nergaard Nammack (Manuel Cortes) of Washington, D.C.; daughter, Carla Delacroix Nammack (Matt Slaughter) of Catlett, Va.; son, Austin Renehan Nammack (Linda) of Locust Grove, Va.; six grandchildren, Yukari Nakamura, Tatsuya Nakamura (Meghan), Christina, Austin, Brooke and Nicholas; great-granddaughter, Alina Rae Nakamura; and 11 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Austin Nammack, and her sister, Maria Rosa Nergaard Sanguino.

Services and a celebration of life will be held in Lewes at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, alzinfo.org/memory-wall/ainanammack; or Rehoboth Art League, rehobothartleague.org/support/donate.