Nancy Bauman Sheffer

In Loving Memory of Nancy Bauman Sheffer

January 9, 1933 – April 20, 2026

“I am the Resurrection and the Life” says the Lord. “Whoever believes in Me will have Eternal Life.”

Nancy Bauman Sheffer, a native of Harrisburg, PA, and a proud 1952 graduate of the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (PSD), transitioned peacefully on April 20, 2026, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family.

Known affectionately as “Sunshine” during her school years, Nancy carried that light into every chapter of her life. Following graduation, she served at the Social Security Administration before dedicating herself to raising her family. She later returned to the workforce, enjoying a 20-year career with Prudential Insurance Company.

Nancy was a woman of vibrant interests and deep community roots. In her youth, she was a passionate athlete in basketball and field hockey, later enjoying several years in a local bowling league. A tireless advocate for the Deaf community, she served on the board of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Citizens of Delaware Valley and chaired their 30th Anniversary Banquet in 2004, receiving a well-deserved award for her years of dedicated service. Alongside her beloved late husband, Obed Sheffer (who passed on December 27, 2012), Nancy was a lifetime member of the Pennsylvania State Association for the Deaf (PSAD), the York Association for the Deaf (YAD), and the Greater Harrisburg Association for the Deaf (GHAD).

Nancy and Obed were childhood sweethearts whose enduring bond led to 60 years of marriage. Her legacy of love continues through her three children: Jeanne Behm (Gary) of New York, Karen Averett (Michael) of Virginia, and Terry Sheffer (Lucy) of Tennessee. She was the cherished grandmother of Byron (Michelle), Cory (Ann), Derrick (Josh), Bradford (Jillian), Claire (Elena), Erika (Kyle), and Ryan (Corinne), and a proud great-grandmother to many. Nancy is survived by the families of Obed and relatives from the lineages of her parents, George F. Bauman (Scranton, PA) and Lillian Arnold (East Stroudsburg, PA).

A gathering to honor Nancy’s life will be scheduled at a future time.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to:

* Word of Life Deaf Lutheran Church 10 Delp Road, Lancaster, PA 17601

• * Pennsylvania School for the Deaf Alumni Association “A Legacy of the Oak Tree: Steven Florio Student Fund” Email: psdaapresident@psdalumni.org