Nancy E. Schanes, 88, died on October 29, 2017. She was the only child of Merle H. Sigmund and Marion Buck Sigmund. Born in Wilmington, Nancy was very proud to have been a native Delawarean. She graduated from Wilmington High School ’48 and then from Pasadena City College in Pasadena, California. She worked for DuPont for several years after returning to Wilmington prior to her marriage in 1955 to Alan Schanes of New York City.
Nancy is predeceased by her parents and her husband who died in 2012 after 57 years of marriage. She is survived by her daughter Linda K. Schanes, son David Schanes (Stephanie), three adored grandchildren, Stephen, Kelly and Megan and her special friend Donna Fox. She is also survived by many dear friends and relatives. One of Nancy’s greatest pleasures was being in the presence of her family and friends. She loved all of her many pets, especially her cat Fritz. Nancy enjoyed working in the garden and backyard bird watching.
Nancy and Alan had the wonderful opportunity of living abroad while her husband was employed by DuPont. Living in Dordrecht, the Netherlands and Geneva, Switzerland were some of the highlights of her life. While living abroad they took the time to travel extensively.
Nancy enjoyed genealogy and did extensive family research in Delaware and Germany and was a long time member of the Delaware Genealogical Society. She devoted 30 years as a volunteer docent at Rockwood Museum and attended classes at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. She was a member of the Delaware Historical Society, National Society Daughter of the American Revolution, Cooch’s Bridge Chapter, Winterthur Museum and Old Swedes Foundation. She was a former member of Grace United Methodist Church and a longtime friend of Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday November 4, 2017 at 9:30 am in Mt. Salem Cemetery, Wilmington, where she will join her ancestors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Coalition, 174 Bridge St., Phoenixville, PA 19460; Faithful Friends, 12 Germay Dr., Wilmington, DE 19804; Delaware Humane Association, 701 A St., Wilmington, DE 19801 or an organization of your choice.
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