Nancy J. (Spire) Early

Nancy L. Early, 92, of Palmyra and formerly a longtime resident of Hummelstown passed away Friday, November 18, 2022 at Londonderry Village.

Born May 27, 1930 in Hershey, she was a daughter of the late Henry and Irma (Hale) Spire. She married John W. Early in 1957. They enjoyed 58 years together until his death in 2016.

A graduate of the former Hummelstown High School, Nancy attended Hood College and graduated from the New York Institute of Dietetics. She served as a dietitian at Greenwich (CT) Hospital, Geisinger Hospital, and Harrisburg Hospital before starting a family. While raising her family, Nancy assisted her husband with his floral business, Early's Flower Box. She turned her passion for collectible dolls and bears into a business when she opened her store, Sweet Things, in Hummelstown. Nancy and her sister, Joan were awarded the Hummelstown Lions Club “Citizens of the Year” award for organizing the Hummelstown Arts and Crafts Festival which started in 1981. She and John enjoyed entertaining their family and friends and many had the pleasure of enjoying Nancy’s amazing baking skills. The wonderful smells coming from her oven will never be forgotten. Nancy and John traveled extensively and especially enjoyed getting together with family and friends in Sanibel Island, FL.  Nancy was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church.

Surviving are her children, Susan L. Noriega (Steven) of Lititz, David B. Early of Hummelstown, Matthew J. Early (Bernadette) of Lancaster and Elizabeth A. Ford (wife of the late C. Scott) of Leola; six grandchildren, Steven Noriega, John Noriega (Taylor), Griffin Ford, Kathryn Ford, Luke Early and Madeline Early; a sister, Joan E. Spire of Hummelstown and a brother Henry H. Spire (Linda) of Willow Valley.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, November 26, 2022 at her church, 210 West Main Street, Hummelstown followed by a reception. Private interment in Hummelstown Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 210 West Main Street, Hummelstown, PA 17036.

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