Nancy Schuster, a crossword puzzle aficionado who turned her passion into a successful career, passed away at the age of 90 in Newburgh, N.Y. Known for her impressive skills in constructing puzzles, competing in tournaments, and editing for various magazines, Mrs. Schuster left a lasting impact on the world of crosswords.
Her journey to crossword stardom began in 1978 when she emerged victorious at the first American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, taking home $125 after solving all five puzzles. Despite her success, Mrs. Schuster remained humble, describing herself as a Queens housewife to the media.
Over the years, Mrs. Schuster’s talent and dedication to the craft earned her respect and admiration from fellow puzzle enthusiasts. She became a revered figure in crossword puzzle circles, with Stanley Newman, a longtime puzzle editor at Newsday, referring to her as a “goddess.”
Born Nancy Jane Cahn in the Bronx, Mrs. Schuster’s love for crosswords blossomed at a young age as she watched her father solve puzzles from The New York Times. After graduating from Adelphi College with a degree in chemistry, she delved into puzzle construction, starting with puzzles for her son’s elementary school newspaper.
Despite facing rejection early on in her career, Mrs. Schuster persevered and found success with various publications, eventually landing a job as the editor in chief of Dell Champion Puzzles magazines. Her keen eye for detail and unwavering dedication to the craft made her a valuable asset to the world of crossword puzzles.
Mrs. Schuster’s legacy lives on through her contributions to the crossword puzzle community. Her impact on the industry and her passion for puzzles will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of solving one of her creations. She is survived by her daughter, son, and four grandchildren, leaving behind a lasting imprint on the world of crosswords.
