Nancy Ann Bischoff

Nancy Ann Bischoff, age 79, of Elizabethtown, PA, entered God’s rest on October 22, 2026, in Jefferson Abington Hospital in Abington, PA with her family at her side.

Nancy was born in East Greenwich, Rhode Island to Charles N. and Sara F. Divet on March 4, 1947 and grew up in upstate New York. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Albany in June 1968. While in college, Nancy met her future husband, David E. Bischoff, who was studying at nearby RPI. They were married on September 7, 1968 in Binghamton, NY. Nancy and Dave first settled in St. Mary’s County, MD and welcomed the birth of their first two sons, Ben and Steve. They subsequently moved to Upper Dublin Township, PA and welcomed their third son, Jim.

Nancy’s foremost vocation was to be a mother to her three sons and a wife to her husband, while also exploring her own ambitions as a nursery school teacher, notary, numerous administrative assistant positions and an independent cosmetics sales representative. She also pursued her own passions for community service and the arts, singing in the choir and playing hand bells at her church and developing her skills as a quilter, embroiderer, and knitter into a homespun enterprise whose enthusiasts were delighted to commission works from her expert repertoire. In her “spare time,” Nancy was an avid gardener, a wholesome cook and an eager attendee of any community event with a door prize, one she always seemed to win!

After her boys graduated from high school and left home for their own pursuits, Nancy combined all her inspirations into new service and entrepreneurial chapters. She was President of the Outdoor Gardeners in Chestnut Hill, PA, Chairperson of the Women’s Bazaar at Supplee Memorial Presbyterian Church, and a Trustee of Oreland Presbyterian Church all while continuing to play hand bells and sing in the choir. Nancy turned her award-winning skills as a quilter and passion for textiles into a proper business as owner and operator of Sew Smart Fabrics in Doylestown, PA from 2001 to 2011. At Sew Smart, the classes she taught were as important to her as the fabrics she sold.

In the fall of 2024, Nancy and Dave settled into the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, PA, a place well-suited to make new friends and to continue exploring old passions. Together they participated in many leisure activities. Nancy also spent time with the Piecemaker’s quilting circle while continuing to receive recognition for her craft and skill with winning entries at the annual Elizabethtown Fair. Together, Nancy and Dave became members of Donegal Presbyterian Church in Mt. Joy Township, PA where her memorial will be held.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, David E. Bischoff, sons Benjamin J. Bischoff of Brooklyn, NY, Steven C. Bischoff of West Chester, PA and James D. Bischoff, of Monroeville, PA and her two grandchildren, Annabel S. Bischoff and Will S. Bischoff, both of Brooklyn, NY. All three generations are a part of Nancy’s legacy, combining craft and ambition, their future pursuits will honor her influence through their achievements. She was preceded in death by her sister, Margaret J. Bendel of Island Heights, NJ.

Visitation will be at 10:00am, Monday, November 23, 2026 at Donegal Presbyterian Church, Donegal Springs Rd, Mt. Joy Township, PA. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection in her life will follow at 11:00am with the Reverend Matthew D. Randolph officiating. Interment and reception will follow at the church cemetery and fellowship hall, respectively.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given in Nancy’s name to the Donegal Presbyterian Church, 1891 Donegal Springs Rd, Mt. Joy, PA 17552.