Nancy G (Christian) Willow

The family of Donald and Nancy Willow invite the community to join them in celebrating the impact that Don and Nancy have had in Perry County.  This Celebration of Life will begin at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 22 at the Blain Picnic Grounds.  A Memorial Service will be officiated by Rev. Elaine Moyer at 11:30 AM.  Family members will be available to greet, reminisce and accept condolences both before and after the Memorial Service.  If the weather is permitting, the Celebration will be held outside, so bring your chair!  This is a Celebration and all family members are welcome – especially the children!

Nancy (Christian) Willow, age 78, died and joined her husband after her courageous battle with COVID on April 17, 2021.  Born on November 2, 1942 in Bluefield, WV to the late Hanis and Maggie (Moses) Christian, Nancy is survived by a daughter, Debra Metz (Doug Knouse) of Elliottsburg, a son, Raymond Willow of Columbia, PA, and an “honorary son”, Jeff Metz of Loysville, four grandchildren, who referred to her as the “Goofy” Grandma because of her fun nature and antics:  Joey Dupert, Kaitlin Beck (Chris Beck), Terra Jo “TJ” Metz, and John Raymond Willow.  Great grandchildren include a diverse mixture of children and fur-babies.  She is only shortly preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Donald Willow.  Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and great-grandmother.

Nancy was a homemaker until her children attended high school.  She was a Girl Scout Leader for Deb’s troop in the 1970s.  She enjoyed all types of crafts and it was perfectly normal to receive a handmade gift from her.  She also sewed doll outfits for years to dress the dolls for the Salvation Army’s Christmas program.  After her children started high school, she became a Teacher’s Aide at Blain Elementary School (part of West Perry School District).  She made a huge impact on a lot of children’s lives that still remember her today as adults.  She kept a drawer full of “prizes” for rewards for her students’ progress and it was during this time that she started making cards for the students at Blain Elementary School.  On his/her birthday, each child received a handmade card from Nancy which usually included a small trinket or candy.  She continued making and sending her cards even after her retirement.  Nancy also baked regularly and was well known for her “sticky buns” – which, when donated to fundraising auctions, would cause bidding wars!

The Memorial Service for Nancy and Don will be held later, when Family and friends can gather safely.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Nancy’s name to Blain Elementary PTO or St. Judes.

Arrangements entrusted to Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Inc.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nancy G (Christian) Willow, please visit our floral store.