Nancy Ann Lease was born in York, PA on May 14, 1924 / daughter of Ralph and Verna Shellenberger. She entered Heaven’s gates on July 22, 2020 at the age of 96 years young. Devoted mother and homemaker, she was born into the restaurant, hotel business which remained a significant part of her working career through her marriage and beyond. Many remember her from her work time at Contel in Hershey, others will remember her from Trave’s Restaurant, Pumpernick’s Deli or her final work at Foulkeways Nursing Home … retiring at the young age of 89. Mother exuded a vivacious, dynamic elegance in all she did. A total extroverted people person that absolutely lit up the room.
Some people called her the “The Energizer Bunny” because she never stopped to rest. Some people called her “Little Snowflake” because she did not like to drive in ice and snow. Of course, her kids just called her “mom,” but she was no ordinary mom. She had the biggest heart that just oozed love. A love of her kids, family, friends and life, in general. She did not care where she was if she was with the people that she loved. She was always about doing for others whether they were friends or strangers.
Nancy’s Children & Grandchild include … Michael E. Lease residing in Lancaster, PA / Kimberly A. Lease residing in North Wales, PA … and Jeremy E. Lease of Mountville, PA.
She always bragged about her kids because they were her pride and joy. She basically raised two families since her son and daughter are 16.5 years apart. Perhaps having Kim later in life was part of her secret to longevity … we think so!
Mike being the oldest has the following memories of Mom. Among her many talents Mother was gifted in art, interior decorating, fashion and color coordinations. My interest in design and architecture was initially inspired by my Mother’s creativity and appreciation of the arts and beauty in the world around her. Had she been born in a later generation Mom could have easily been a very successful interior designer. My wife Sandy and I often remark about Mother’s creativity and all the wonderful decorations and crafts that she did while we were in Junior and Senior High School. I enjoy my memories of secretly entering Mom’s crocheted Afghan in the local fair, unbeknownst to her, netting her a First Prize … Surprise!
Kim has the experience of not only a mom but a best friend. As anyone knows we were inseparable for everything but exercise. Count Nancy out if it involved sweating and messing up her hair. Everything else, movies, concerts, plays, travelling, going out to eat and shopping, she was down for. Where you see Nancy, Kim was never far behind and vice versa. Even showing up with the same outfits at times which was not planned but just a sixth sense like twins’ experience. We were the “Gilmore Girls” which happened to be our favorite TV show because it was us. Even the theme song written by Carole King, “Where you Lead,” was indicative of our mother/daughter relationship. We both smiled when we heard the first note of the song and never missed an episode. We always made each other stronger with our strengths and differences. In the end we became one that will never be forgotten.
Mom would tell you how blessed she was to have one grandchild, Jeremy, Mike’s son. If the design capability is genetic, well then it was definitely passed on to her very gifted grandson.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, August 1, 2020, beginning at 10 AM. at the Simcox-McIlvaine Funeral Home, 532 E. Main St, Lansdale, PA 19446. A Service will begin at 10:45 AM. Interment private.
Online condolences may be left on this website.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Nancy Lease’s name can be made to Grand View Hospital Hospice Care. If mailing a contribution please make checks out to Grand View Health Foundation and note on the memo line “For Hospice in Memory of Nancy Lease” and mail to Grand View Hospice, 700 Lawn Ave, Sellersville, PA 18960. Online contributions can go to https://www.gvh.org/tributegifts/ and directed to Hospice Care via the link.