Nancy L. (Bowman) Hanshaw

Nancy L. Hanshaw, 90, passed away Monday, May 7, 2018 at Columbia Cottage in Hershey.

Born in Palmyra, PA, on March 22, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Katherine and William Bowman. A lifelong resident of Palmyra, Nancy was predeceased by her sister, Gene Bowman Neidig; son, William; and husband of fifty years, Harry.

A biology major at Lebanon Valley College, Nancy was known to her friends and family as a lover of nature and animals. She often told fascinating stories of growing up as a tomboy and avid horsewoman during the 1930s and '40s.

After accompanying her husband to Philadelphia while he attended veterinary school, she helped him to establish a successful large and small animal practice and later a Standardbred horse racing stable. In addition to her work as a veterinary assistant, horse farm manager, and mother of four, she found time to volunteer at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, the Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association, and the Palmyra Public Library. In her later years, Nancy worked summers as the hostess of the bus drivers' lounge at Hersheypark, where she enjoyed meeting and chatting with drivers from all over the east coast.

Nancy is survived by her daughters Rebecca Bixler, wife of Donald Bixler, Palmyra, PA; Deborah Steiner, wife of Jerald Steiner, Mechanicsville, VA; Nanette Hanshaw, Palmyra, PA; and Jennifer Hackett, wife of Sean Hackett, Palmyra, PA; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 11, 2018, at 11:00 am at Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home, 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra, PA 17078 with visitation at 10:00 am. Interment will be at Gravel Hill U.M. Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Lebanon County. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com

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