Nancy Bancroft

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” — Proverbs 31:26

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” — Proverbs 31:28

Nancy Ann Bancroft (née Shemeley) lived her life with wisdom and kindness, blessing all who knew her. As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she built her days on faith, love, and service. Her legacy endures through the family who now rise to honor her and the community she so faithfully served.

Just after midnight on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Virtua Hospital in Voorhees, Nancy’s earthly work was complete. Her light, gentle yet unwavering, now shines on through those who loved her. After 84 years, we give thanks and praise for all of her days, even as we wish we had more.

Nancy’s beautiful life began in Oaklyn, where she was born the first daughter of the late Robert P. and Cora A. (née Forrest) Shemeley. A proud graduate of Collingswood High School, Class of 1959, she filled her teenage years with music, marching band parades, choir harmonies, and glee club songs. She carried that melodic joy into every corner of her life.

She married her high school sweetheart, Arthur, in 1961, and together they built a life anchored in Oaklyn, raising children, serving neighbors, cheering from the bleachers, and building a legacy of faith and family. For over 63 years, Nancy and Art were side by side, whether in church pews, on the baseball fields, or around the family table. They were true partners until his passing just over three months ago, and now are reunited once more.

Nancy was the loving mother of Mark (Nancy J.) Bancroft, Scott (Kim) Bancroft, and Tracy Ann Bancroft. She was the devoted grandmother of Matt Bancroft (Kimberly Walters), Luke (Kelly) Bancroft, Finn Hassman, and Mason Hassman, who lovingly called her Nana. Her heart brimmed with joy as she became a great-grandmother to Theodore Arthur Bancroft. She is also survived by her sister Bonnie (Raymond) Hunt; sisters-in-law Nancy C. Bancroft and Thelma Westmore; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by in-laws, Elwood Westmore, Robert and Joan Wetmore, Colonel Alfred Bancroft, and Shirley Faunce.

A Sunday School teacher to two to four year olds for over 60 years, Nancy was the steady heartbeat of Emmanuel United Methodist Church. She taught generations of children not only in Sunday School, but in summer Vacation Bible School too. She lifted her alto voice in the choir and played in the bell choir, and poured her hands into every fundraiser and fellowship event. Hers was a faith not of words alone, but of action, service, and love.

Beyond her church, Nancy also poured her warmth into her work. For nearly 30 years, she was a familiar face at Friendly’s Restaurant in Westmont, where her coworkers became like family and countless customers came to know her smile. The friendships she built there lasted a lifetime and became another circle of love around her.

Nancy also gave countless hours to the Oaklyn-Bettlewood Little League, where she was a dedicated member of the Ladies Auxiliary. She helped keep the league running smoothly by managing the snack stand, keeping the scorebooks, and cheering on the players and coaches in every way she could. While Art coached on the field, Nancy made sure the community around the game thrived.

If you were one of the lucky ones, you were the recipient of Nancy’s loving hands that crocheted blankets that warmed homes and handmade stockings that were filled with love each Christmas. These special creations became living memories, stitching generations together. She was ever-present in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives, on the sidelines, in the audience, or right beside them in the kitchen. She gave her love not in grand speeches, but in everyday presence, in the small and steady ways that meant everything.

She loved her pets, Happy the pug and Tiger, the orange tabby. She cheered for all Philadelphia teams but especially her Phillies and Flyers, with favorites like Tug McGraw, Larry Bowa, Bob Boone, and Bobby Clarke. She loved playing card games at the table and delighted in summer family vacations in Ocean City. Whether on the beach or boardwalk or doing puzzles at the house, her favorite times were spent with family, including extended family and most importantly, her grandkids. Simple joys, shared deeply, defined her days.

Nancy was also an excellent baker. Her Jewish Apple Cake and Apple Pies were legendary, and her Christmas breads were treasured gifts. And even though she shared her recipes, no matter how carefully you followed them, they never tasted quite like hers. Nancy’s life was marked by devotion to her family, to her faith, to her community. She leaves behind a legacy of gentleness, strength, and generosity. One day, we will remember how lucky we were to have known her love with wonder, not grief.

Services: Relatives, friends, and neighbors are invited to gather on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm for visitation at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 21 E. Cedar Ave., Haddon Twp., where a memorial ceremony will be held at 12:00 pm. Inurnment will follow at Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill. A reception and luncheon will take place between 2:30 and 6:00 pm at Congregation Beth El, 8000 Main St., Voorhees. All are welcome to any or all parts of the day of celebration to honor the life of Nancy Ann Bancroft. As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Nancy’s memory to Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 21 E. Cedar Ave., Oaklyn, NJ 08107, or to the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/donate/, as their programs help save the lives of children every day.

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