Nancy passed away on Friday, November 8, 2019 at Londonderry Village. Born on December 30, 1931 in the Hershey Hospital to John W. Henry, Sr. and Lucille Hazel Mae (Shifflett) Henry, Nancy grew up in Union Deposit where she made lasting friendships which she recalled with much fondness. Nancy’s passing brings to a close a generation of Henrys having been preceded in death by her brother John W. Henry, Jr. and numerous cousins.
Nancy graduated from Hershey High School, class of 1949. She was a proud 49’er and participated in the band front supporting the undefeated football team and one of its players, John Alger, her future husband. Nancy held lifelong friendships with The Card Club, made up of her closest girlfriends from the class of ’49. Rumor has it that they stopped playing cards around the time their kids reached Junior High School age as talking was more fun than playing cards. The remaining members continued to meet for lunches until recently. Nancy’s eyes would always light up at the mention of Card Club.
John and Nancy were married on July 13, 1952, at the Union Deposit EUB church. Nancy became a fulltime wife at that time leaving her job at the Department of Military Affairs in Harrisburg. She was the rock of the family, supporting her husband and raising three children. Nancy gladly accepted this role while John was active as a farmer, church leader, and longtime school board member. Her children learned to appreciate how much she sacrificed to provide a wonderful home.
Nancy’s childhood was not perfect, however, she was blessed with a mother who worked at Hershey Chocolate for over 30 years to provide for her children. Times might have been lean but the Henry children always had enough to get by, especially when it came to stylish clothing. Nancy continued this tradition with her children. She was determined that her “farm kids” would always be dressed well. Her children recall fondly shopping trips to the big cities of Lebanon and Harrisburg which included lunches and visits to Wertz Candy Shop for Caramel Corn.
Nancy is survived by her children, Steven (Susan) Alger, Benson (Pam) Alger, Amy (Rev. Mark) Irvin; her grandchildren, Brooks (Ashley) Alger; Hollis Alger, James Alger, Jonathan (Katie) Alger, Jennifer (Craig) Wiley; her greatgrandchildren, Henry and Audrey Alger; brother in law Rev. Earl (Nancy) Alger and family of Hingham MA; and many cousins.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019 beginning at 5:00 PM at the Di Matteo Worship Center of Londonderry Village led by The Rev. Dennis W. Garrison. A light buffet will be provided. Burial will be private.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Londonderry Village, Grane Hospice, and Home Instead of Lebanon County for their extraordinary, compassionate care of their mother. Additionally, we thank the “prayer group”, which supported her with cards, visits, and prayers. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions in honor and memory of Nancy be made to Spring Creek Church of the Brethren, 335 E. Areba Ave., Hershey, PA 17033, or The Good Samaritan Fund c/o Londonderry Village, 1200 Grubb Road, Palmyra, PA 17078.
Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.finkenbinderfamily.com
