Nancy Jane Smith Moore Scheffler

Nancy Jane Smith Moore Scheffler, 79, passed away on December 17, 2022, in Easton, MD, due to complications with appendix cancer. Nancy was most recently a resident of Pelham, NY, for the past 10 years and lived over 40 years in Easton where she raised her family. She was born in Seattle, WA, on March 28, 1943, to Mildred and Marshall Smith. She grew up traveling significantly with her family as her father was a Naval architect, spending years in French Morocco, Alaska, Indiana and went to High School in Huntington, Long Island, where she attended Harborfields High School and then graduated from the University of Illinois. Nancy was a committed Civil Rights and feminist activist. She was a Freedom Fighter in the early Civil Rights days, during the groundbreaking 1964 Mississippi Summer Project as a teacher, where she ultimately met her first husband, Philip Wyatt Moore III. They started their family in Chicago, IL continuing with their activism, which took them to Washington, D.C. After three years, they moved to Marengo Estates in Easton, MD. Nancy relished in being a mom and raised her babies exclusively for several years, while also inviting many into her home to teach swimming to organizations that served underprivileged and disabled communities. She then took her love of aquatics to the YMCA where she worked as the Aquatics Director for roughly 20 years, creating several meaningful programs that served marginalized peoples including adding a wheelchair lift into the pool. She was instrumental in the fundraising efforts for the second pool in the Easton branch and a major force in bringing the Red Cross CPR classes to Talbot County. Another passion of note was her leadership role at Camp Lazy Days. She strongly shaped the aquatics program overall at the YMCA, including starting a synchronized swimming program that also went to the Jr. Olympics. She and her daughter Rachel performed in mother-daughter synchro routines, and she taught nearly all of us how to swim! Nancy was a humble hero. Nancy’s deep dedication to service came from a commitment to her love of Jesus Christ, and she is a devout Christian. She was a member of the Easton Church of the Brethren, and upon marrying her second husband John Scheffler, she was an early member of the Talbot Bible Church and remained there for most of her life in Maryland. Upon moving to Pelham, NY, she joined The Community Church of the Pelhams. She had an infectious spirit. Her bright smile and laugh were like no other, and she brought so much joy to those around her. Her bright blue eyes lit up every room she entered, and when she spoke to you it was like you were the only person in the world. She was dedicated to us all, loyal, and encouraging. She moved mountains in so many people’s lives. We love you so much. She was a loving mother, sister, wife and friend,and is survived by her brother, Doug Smith; three children, Chris Moore (Jenno Topping), Liza Ledford (Mark Ledford), and Rachel Moore (Vinnie Ricasio); step-children, Kimberly Scheffler Daugherty (Merv Daugherty), Mary Lynn Scheffler Redish, Jeffery Scott Scheffler; seven grandchildren, Mason, Maddie, Alice, Charlie, Ike, Reid and Nate; step-grandchildren, cousins, extended family, and many friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Philip Wyatt Moore, III; her second husband, John Scheffler who she shared years of Christian fellowship with; and her step-son, Sean Bradly Scheffler. A celebration of life will be held on December 23, 2022, in Easton, MD, starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Talbot Bible Church followed by an internment around 11:30 a.m., with a gathering for food and fellowship to follow at noon at the YMCA fireplace room. All are welcome to attend. Any gifts in her honor should be directed to the Talbot Bible Church and the YMCA of the Chesapeake for these organizations carry the torch of her spirit.

Nancy Jane Smith Moore Scheffler

March 28, 1943 - December 17, 2022