The Life of Nancy J. Gerrish
Nancy J. GerrishFebruary 21, 1941 - May 08, 2020
Nancy Joan (Ferguson) Gerrish, loving mother of 2 children and grandmother of 4, died May 8th at age 79 of complications from Covid19. Born February 21, 1941 to David Farrugut Ferguson and Mildred May (Quinn), Nancy grew upsurrounded by family and friends on S. 56th Street in West Philadelphia where they attended BerryLong Presbyterian Church.
She graduated from Bartram High School, and then her family moved to Broomall in 1958. After graduating from West Chester State Teachers College, she taught 2nd grade at Westtown School for 6 years before becoming a stay-at-home mom while her children were young. She raised her family in Drexel Hill, and eventually went back to teaching - first at Primos Elementary. Nancy then found her calling: teaching 3rd grade at Stonehurst Hills Elementary School in Upper Darby.
She taught in the same classroom for nearly twenty years, giving so much of her time and love to the students who came through her door and to their families. She was a great mentor to younger teachers and took on Student Teachers whenever she had the chance. Her favorite part of teaching was taking the students on a walking tour of historic Philadelphia; she loved seeing the history come alive for the children. She also relished teaching cursive, and was not at all happy when schools phased out this requirement! During the summers,she taught Bible School at her church, Bethany Collegiate Presbyterian in Havertown.
Nancy retired in 2002 to spend time with her first grandchild, Mary Kate, whom she adored and doted on.Nancy had a wonderful life, busy with teaching, church, friends and travel. She spent every possible minute with her grandchildren and great nephews. She was blessed to live with her best friend,Deborah Wilson, for many years and together they traveled near and far to places like Wyoming,South Dakota, Alaska and Hawaii. When circumstances took her children and grandchildren to the west coast, Nancy traveled to visit whenever possible. She never missed a chance to shower them with her love and attention.
In recent years, Nancy has battled numerous health challenges. Although she ended up needing nursing home care, Nancy made one last dear friend in her caregiver Kjay Hellings. Kjay brought much joy and comfort to Nancy in her final years and the family is forever grateful.Nancy is survived by her aunt, Dorothy Lillian Quinn (age 102), brother Robert Ferguson, his children and grandchildren, her son David Gerrish (Diana) and their children Wesley and Hattie, her daughter Susan Henry and her children Mary Kate and Quinn.
Due to restrictions from Covid-19, a Memorial Service will take place at a later date. A memorial fund has been established at Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation in her name. UDFoundation.org or 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA 19026