Nancy A. Alwine

Nancy A. Alwine, a long-term resident of Chalfont, passed away Thursday, February 16, 2023. She was 85. Born

in Philadelphia, PA on June 28, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Bessie (Moreland) Rommel.

Nancy had an enjoyable childhood. She grew up Glenside, PA. The family followed her father’s dream of moving

to the country when he purchased a seven acre farm in Jarrettown, PA. Surrounded by sheep and horticulture,

Nancy developed her lifelong love of animals and gardening. Summers in Ocean City, NJ at her maternal

grandparent’s house became an annual tradition that led to summer jobs at Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy and as a

lifeguard at The Flanders Hotel (where she had learned to swim). Education was always stressed at home; but

given the family’s limited financial means, Nancy worked two jobs as a teenager to earn funds to pursue her goal

of attending college.

While attending night classes at Drexel University, Nancy met Bill her future husband. After a short eight month

courtship, Bill and Nancy were married. Both wanted a large family with the children close in age which occurred

when five children were born in six years and a sixth to follow later. Nancy discontinued school to become a

homemaker while counting on Bill’s engineering skills to support the family. Having such a large family in a small

house was a challenge, but she always stressed finding joy in your circumstances. Nancy loved the holidays. They

were a magical time of togetherness as the entire family would crowd around a perfectly set table to enjoy a

delicious meal and each other’s company. Although financial resources were limited, Nancy wanted the best for

her children. Music, art, and sports lessons were provided. Summers at Lenape Valley Swim Club and the

occasional trip to Ocean City, NJ were absolute joys for the family.

As the children transitioned through adolescence, Nancy experienced a renaissance. She took a lifeguard job at

the Central Bucks YMCA to earn money to complete her college education. Nancy earned a Bachelor of Arts in

Psychology from Gwynedd-Mercy College and a Master of Science in Counseling/Psychology from Chestnut Hill

College in 1996 at the ages of 48 and 58, respectively. She worked at Northwestern Human Services as a

therapist for individuals living with schizophrenia until she retired in her late 70s. The family is incredibly proud

of these great accomplishments.

Nancy always found time for her hobbies. She was an avid gardener (vegetable and ornamental), dog lover

(British Labs), art collector, anglophile, antiquer, home remodeler/decorator and reader. She especially enjoyed

trips to Nantucket with Bill, but her deepest love was for her family which she was immensely proud of.

Her husband of 61 years William (Bill) predeceased her as does a daughter Abigail. Nancy is survived by six

children Susan Ehnot (David), Scott, Amy Bouffard (Dave), Keith, Chris (Jeanette), and Jon and 12 grandchildren.

She is also survived by a niece and three nephews.

Nancy was a smart and determined woman who stood up for what she believed in. Although she and Bill worked

hard, she taught the family to experience and enjoy life (on trips to the shore: “time to roll down the windows to

smell the salt air”). She always made sure that opportunities were there for the children. We will always hear

her words of encouragement and affirmation: “Don’t sell yourself short”, “You can do anything if you put your

mind to it”, and “Strive to do your best”. We have been blessed. Thank you mom.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, February 27 th at the Scanlin-McDonald Funeral Home in Chalfont at

11:00am. Friends and family are invited for visitation at 10:00am. Interment will be private at Whitemarsh

Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.