Obituary of Nancy Joyce Henderson

DELMAR- Nancy Joyce Henderson (Patterson) passed away from heart failure in her home on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 under the care of family and Albany County Hospice. She was born July 1, 1930 in Albany and is predeceased by her parents, John A. and Hazel R. Henderson; two brothers John H. and Donald Henderson; and former husband, James Patterson. She is survived by her two daughters, Christine Barone (David) of York, PA and Constance Patterson of Delmar; two grandchildren, Daniel Barone (Jessica) and Victoria Barone (Jason Bestimt); three great grandchildren, Caley Barone, Oliver Bestimt and Jack Bestimt; two nieces and one nephew. Nancy graduated from Bethlehem Central High School in 1948 and after college taught Grades 1-5 at Hamagrael Elementary School in Delmar. She retired 26 years later with wonderful memories of so many students. It gave her such joy to see them over the years as adults and with children of their own. In retirement, Nancy enjoyed reading, photography, writing, drawing, knitting and, when able, traveling to visit relatives, craft fairs with her daughter and Cape Cod. For over 20 years, Nancy has been a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church congregation and prior to that over 55 years at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, both in Delmar. Her faith and love in our Lord Jesus Christ guided her, helped her and often carried her throughout her life. She felt humbled and blessed to know Him and His love. A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, September 20th at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar Burial will be in Bethlehem Cemetery following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church's youth/outreach program; the Bethlehem Public Library Children's Room or toward the Large Print collection; or The Roselle's Dream Foundation, Inc. (www.rosellesdream.org) named after the courageous trained guide dog who accompanied her blind companion 1,463 stairs from Tower One on 9/11; but also as a remembrance of one of her former students who lost his chance for a future that same day. Thank you.