Nancy Carol (Hanson) Simpson

 Nancy Carol Simpson, age 78, of Macungie, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at her home on January 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Nancy was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 8, 1946, to Robert Charles Hanson and Ann Agnes Dabrowski Hanson.  Before moving to Springfield, Pennsylvania where she was raised, Nancy lived with her family for a short time in Louisiana, Missouri. Upon graduating from Springfield High School, Nancy held her first position as an administrative assistant in banking, and enjoyed recreational activities, such as tennis as well as piano playing. However, a hobby that captured much of her passion was sewing. Her skill and love of the craft even sparked in her a desire to make many of her own clothes.

In 1966, she married Rev. Dr. Edward Herbert Simpson, after meeting at Princeton Presbyterian Church in Springfield, and together they shared a life filled with love, laughter, and faith. Their marriage, which lasted until Ed’s passing in 2008, was a model of devotion and happiness. Nancy’s love for her family was unwavering, and she was an exceptional mother to three daughters: Kimberly Lynne (married to Dr. Eric James Zoog), Robin Jean (married to Dr. R.Scott Baeder), and Lindsay Ann. She also had the joy of being a grandmother to five cherished grandchildren: Samantha Elise (19), Devon Elizabeth (17), Jackson Edward (15), Reed Christian (13), and Skylar Grace (6). Nancy is also survived by three siblings; her older sister Joyce Ann Farmer, and her younger brothers Jeffrey Robert Hanson (Myra) and Terry Charles Hanson (Ellie), as well as three nieces; Barbara (Farmer) Surchik, Heather Hanson, and Jennifer Hanson. 

Nancy’s life was characterized by her deep Christian faith.  A regular churchgoer, she was a member of Princeton Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Trinity Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, and Grace Presbyterian Church in Horsham. She was known for actively living a life that glorified God. As a young woman, she would organize Koinonia Circle (fellowship) meetings and gather everyone together for festive holiday outings filled with caroling and hot chocolate. She also participated in rummage sales and regularly volunteered during Vacation Bible School.  She continued to contribute to her Christian mission by making crafts, baking cookies, and providing food for the annual Christmas Bazaar; usually preparing a cooked turkey along with her own delicious soup, which all agreed was a crowd favorite. She was also involved in her community through her work as an office manager at both St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Maple Glen and Hausser Scientific Company in Horsham, PA.

Nancy was a woman who loved deeply and lived life with purpose. She had a remarkable ability to make others feel seen and valued, offering a reassuring smile and words of encouragement to both old and new friends. With pleasure she created a home atmosphere that was welcoming and full of hospitality, delightfully beckoning all to gather for birthday and holiday celebrations. Using her unmatched resourcefulness, organizational skills, and intelligence, she would gladly come to the rescue as a teacher, counselor, or event coordinator to help her daughters through the thick of math homework, boyfriend woes, or wedding planning. In partnership with her husband, she encouraged her children to prioritize their education and work hard to achieve higher degrees. Consequently, Kimberly earned her PhD in Neuroscience from Drexel University, Robin earned her Doctor of Osteopathy from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Lindsay earned a Master of Science in Education from Wilkes University.  Nancy never shied away from a conversation to boast her pride in the accomplishments of her daughters. One could not help but notice how her face would light up, as she recounted the academic and lifetime achievements of her girls. Without hesitation, she would talk about sacrifices her daughters made along the way, but everyone knew their success was the result of extraordinary parenting and the countless acts of selfless love that were abundant in their upbringing. With Ed’s wisdom, steadfast fidelity and spiritual leadership, she forged a foundation that equipped the girls to excel in the pursuit of their dreams. She was, without a doubt, the anchor of her family, and anyone who shared a moment with Nancy would recognize that she lived for her girls; passing on to them a legacy that honors the Lord, gives thanks for the blessing of children, inspires Christlikeness, instills the values of integrity and commitment, cherishes the gift of family, perseveres during challenging times, and promotes the use of God given strengths to serve others. 

Nancy had a soft spot for dogs. She cherished the memories of her beloved pets Triune, Chiclet, Hershey, and Rebel, as well as her granddogs, Murphy and Hunter.  She loved her pet Zoey, whom she showered with boundless affection and doggy treats. She also adored family vacations by the ocean and enjoyed every moment spent with her loved ones. A devoted daughter and daughter-in-law, she regularly visited and cared for her parents and Ed’s parents, Herman Henry Simpson and wife, Jeanette (Holstein) Simpson. 

Nancy’s family and friends will forever remember her for her gentle spirit, her infectious smile, and the immeasurable love she gave to those around her. There are many who will miss her, as she formed deeply bonded friendships. However, her fierce support, soothing presence, and unending goodness will be profoundly missed by her daughters and grandchildren who loved her beyond the stars.

 Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 at the Wayside Chapel of Whitemarsh Memorial Park Cemetery in Ambler, PA. Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m., and interment at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, as an expression which reflects Nancy’s deep love of country, her gratitude to freedom - fighting American heroes, and her remembrance of high school friends, who answered the call to action during the Vietnam War.  Numbers 6:24 - 26 May the Lord bless you and keep you, May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; May the Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon you and give you peace; both now, even forevermore, Amen. 

Arrangements by John J. Bryers Funeral Home, 215-659-1630, www.bryersfh.com

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