NANCY H. SCHWARTZ, FOUNDRESS OF ST. FRANCIS HOME, SHILLINGTON, PASSED AWAY AT ST. FRANCIS HOME.

Nancy embraced the dream many hospice nurses have to establish a home for terminally ill individuals and embarked on a seven-year journey to design, build and furnish a three-bedroom hospice care residence. St. Francis Home opened in Shillington in April of this year, and Nancy was able to reside there briefly before passing away on July 24, 2018.

Born in Williamsport in 1947, Nancy was the daughter of the late Harry D. and Helen J. (Rollman) Schwartz. She graduated from Reading Central Catholic High School in 1965 and Gwynedd Mercy College in 1969 with a degree in education. She completed graduate courses at Kutztown University and Penn State-Berks.

Nancy began her teaching career in elementary schools in the Philadelphia Diocese. She returned to Reading to teach for five years at St. John Baptist de la Salle. Shillington, before joining the staff at St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring. She spent 25 years as a teacher and was known for her interesting field trips and school projects. Her passion for and skill with fundraising led to her becoming the Development Director at St. Ignatius, a position she held for seven years. During that time, Nancy was instrumental in establishing the Walk-a-Thon for Catholic Education in Berks County.

Nancy loved to travel and enjoyed conducting trips both locally and internationally. High school students enjoyed joining her European excursions and her trips along the East Coast, famous for their historical and culinary adventures. She also initiated many trips for several local seniors clubs.

For many years, Nancy held gatherings of friends in the Pocono home she designed and built at Bear Creek. She truly enjoyed entertaining and this home became a focal point for many memorable skiing and swimming vacations.

She was a faithful member of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, where she assisted with retreats and with the RCIA program.

She is survived by numerous friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 10, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Ignatius R.C.C., 2810 St Albans Dr., Reading, PA 19608. Burial will take place on Saturday, August 11, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Lawn Cemetery, 1250 S Main St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Francis Home may be made in Nancy's memory at www.stfrancishomereading.org/donate.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.