Nancy Lou (Kern) Heydt, 88, of Mertztown, PA, and recently residing at Discovery Commons Assisted Living in California, MD passed away peacefully on Friday, June 6, surrounded by loving family, under hospice care in the St. Mary’s County Hospice House, Callaway, MD after a brief illness. Born in Allentown, PA, she was the daughter of Willard and Florence (Lembach) Kern and was one of 12 Kern siblings. In 1948, after her father’s death, Nancy was taken in and raised as a treasured daughter/granddaughter by Charles and Eleanor (Bennett) Fenstermaker, of Mertztown, who she lovingly called Mom and Dad; and Charles and Helen Bennett, who became the best Mammy and Pappy a young girl could want. Four years later, she was also blessed with a new brother, Dean, to love. In 1958, Nancy met and married the love of her life, Robert G. Heydt, and devoted her life to creating a home filled with love for her children and husband. Family was her most valuable treasure! She was a 1956 graduate of Brandywine Heights High School.

Retiring in 2000, after 30 years with the Brandywine Heights School District in Topton PA, Nancy worked first as a teacher’s aide and then a custodian at both the middle and high school. She took great pride in not only doing the best job possible, but also deeply caring about all students and school staff. A natural caregiver since her childhood, she always put others first, striving to offer comfort when most needed or lend a helping hand wherever and however she could. Her welcoming and nurturing spirit left a lasting impact on those around her whether family, friend, co-worker, or a stranger in need of a kind word and a ready smile. She encouraged and embraced her children, their spouses, and especially her grandchildren for who they were and wanted only for each to find their own unique path to a happy life. Nancy’s strength, determination and positivity helped her to embrace all of life’s blessings and challenges with a hopeful heart, a loving smile, and the will to just ‘keep moving’! She was a long-time member of the Christian Congregation Church (CCC), Mertztown, PA.

Along with her parents, Nancy was predeceased by her devoted and loving husband of 53 years, Robert, and siblings, Dolores Eck, Joyce Hein, Willard Kern, Joan Lehr, Charlie Bauman, Sandra Albanese, Kate McNamara, and also three who died at or shortly after birth.

Nancy is survived by her five children, David R., husband of Miranda (Weaver) of York, PA, Michael D., husband of Lisa of Alburtis, PA, Larry P., husband of Lois (Garman) of Oakland Park, FL & Virginville, PA, Linda A. Ward, wife of James Ward of Saint Leonard, MD, and William C., husband of Deanna (Leibman) of Mertztown, PA.

She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, Chelsea Heydt, wife of Seth Otto, David, Natalie, Kyle, and Riley Heydt, Cameron, Jordan, and Bella Weaver; Ashton Heydt, wife of Hannah (Years),  Angie Magrini, wife of Dave Magrini, and Jon Bales; Kendal Ward, Ava Fraher, wife of William Fraher, and Audrey Ward; Jonathan and Benjamin Heydt; 5 great grandchildren, Finley and Stellan Heydt, Carter and Owen Magrini, and Mavi Bales; and her siblings, Fern Fritz, wife of Robert Fritz of Mertztown and Dean Fenstermaker, husband of Jackie (Dibler) of Topton and their families, as well as many other nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 22 at 12:30 p.m. at the Christian Congregation Church, Mertztown, PA with Reverend Michael Combs officiating. No calling hours. Friends and family are invited for a meal and reminiscing at Janelle’s Diner, 360 Fleetwood Road, Mertztown, PA (Bowers) after the service. Arrangements for cremation were made by the Rausch Funeral home of Port Republic, MD.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to can donate in Nancy’s name to the Christian Congregation Church, 318 Chestnut Street, Mertztown, PA 19539.