Nancy Van Zile Stewart Litwak, 39, a treasured individual from Montgomery, Alabama, and a valued community member in Belmont, North Carolina, departed this life on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Her death marked the end of a life characterized by outstanding professional success, sharp intellect, and profound loyalty to her family and community.
Nancy had an impressive career as an attorney and was a founding partner at Rosenwood, Rose & Litwak, where she specialized in commercial, construction, and civil litigation related to business matters. Her excellence in the legal arena gained extensive recognition, as she earned the title of one of North Carolina’s “Super Lawyers” annually since 2017. While she appreciated these honors, those closest to Nancy realized that her achievements in her profession were merely one aspect of her remarkable existence.
A talented and versatile individual, Nancy spoke French fluently, was athletic, and actively participated in the arts, involving herself in numerous theatrical performances throughout the years. She was a committed learner and high achiever, graduating magna cum laude from Montgomery Academy in 2005, attaining magna cum laude honors from Georgetown University in 2009, and earning her law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2012, where she received the Chancellor’s Scholars Award.
Above all her accomplishments, Nancy was a devoted spouse and mother. She enjoyed a loving ten-year marriage with her husband, Brian James Litwak, and was a proud, attentive parent to her son, Samuel Stewart Litwak, and her daughter, Ann Rosalind Litwak. Despite her busy career, Nancy consistently dedicated her best efforts to her family, maintaining close connections with her loved ones.
Nancy also took on the role of a community leader, an avid reader, and a gracious hostess. She had a particular affection for Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass and Pat Conroy’s The Prince of Tides, which she reread each year. Music provided her solace and motivation, as she cherished it as a remedy for the soul and was a devoted admirer of Joni Mitchell. Renowned for her kindness and generosity, Nancy excelled in cooking and hosting gatherings that effortlessly united people in joyous celebration.
Her legacy continues through her husband, Brian; her children, Samuel and Ann Rosalind; her parents, Charles Andrew "Chuck" Stewart III and Ann Shashy Stewart of Montgomery; her sister, Katherine Stewart Curtin, and her spouse, Kyle, of San Francisco, California; and a broad, loving network of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends from all parts of her journey. She was predeceased by her cherished younger brother, Charles Andrew Stewart IV.
A memorial service, led by Rev. Lauren Byrd, will take place on Tuesday, January 13, at 11 a.m. at McLean’s Funeral Home, located at 700 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia. Following this, a private burial will occur.
In memory of Nancy, contributions can be made to a community theater of one's choice.
Roll Tide and Hoya Saxa, Nancy. You were the best and the brightest.
“Happiness is not in another place, but this place… not for another hour but for this hour.”
— Leaves of Grass, Walt Whitman
“The sole term that can be used for goodness is goodness itself, yet that alone is insufficient.”
— The Prince of Tides, Pat Conroy
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