On Friday, June 4th, 2021, Nancy D. Haresign, 80, of Canonsburg, PA, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
She is survived by daughter Carin Silvester and son-in-law Peter Silvester; daughter Gayle Haresign; sister Lorraine (David) Allison; Brian (Melody) Atmore and special friends of the family, Hai Nguyen, Kristyn Kiddy, Timothy Swets, and Willie Thompson. Nancy was loved and cherished by her extended family and friends.
Nancy is preceded in death by her husband, W. Gordon Haresign, parents, Edward George and Anne Atmore; stepmother, Sally Atmore and brothers, Gerald Atmore and Ronnie Atmore.
Nancy was born in a British colony in Africa, Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. Her grandparents emigrated from Ireland and England in the late 1890’s. Her maternal grandparents purchased a city block so that each of their 7 children could eventually build their own home on the property and live close to their cousins. Nancy maintained a special bond and friendship with her many cousins and their families throughout the years.
Nancy was the middle child, the first daughter of 5 children. Her brothers had a significant impact on her spiritual life as a child. Nancy began seeking answers after Gerald was baptized and upon learning of Ronnie’s acceptance of Christ in 1949. She accepted Christ as her Savior at age 11. Nancy and her sister, Lorraine, have a friendship full of love and admiration. They shared many special memories, enjoyed vacations and always were an encouragement to each other. Brian, her youngest brother, and his family live in Canada and have remained close throughout the years. While the visits were not often, they were memorable.
Nancy met her best friend, Elizabeth Lamond, when she started attending a new high school. Nancy and Libby, along with many other school mates, have maintained a close bond and friendship for over 65 years. Nancy was an avid sportswoman. She ran hurdles, played tennis and field hockey and was competitive in her own gracious way. Nancy was always willing to play a game of Scrabble.
Nancy attended college in Bulawayo where she was introduced to Gordon through her brother, Gerald. The college had very strict courtship rules to the extent of having to ask their permission to go on a date. Gordon was adamant that he wanted to go into Christian ministry. He also determined early on that Nancy was the woman that he wanted to marry. Nancy had other ideas and wanted to teach. Gordon and Nancy married soon after she had completed her teaching obligation to the Rhodesian government.
Another influential mentor to Nancy was Virginia Ross, an American missionary in Zambia and Rhodesia. Though there was a 20-year age difference, she impacted Nancy’s life spiritually and encouraged Nancy to give the Lord everything she had. Their friendship continued until Virginia’s death at age 100 in 2020.
In 1973, when Nancy and Gordon moved the family to the States, Nancy worked with Gordon at the Emmaus Correspondence School. Nancy was also busy raising her two daughters, Carin and Gayle. She was a wonderful mother and was very active in her children’s lives. She continued to have a beautiful relationship with her daughters throughout their adult lives, always offering words of wisdom and friendship. She also continued to minister to the students at the college through hospitality. Many will remember the meals and fellowship they shared at the Haresign’s home.
In 1984, the family moved to Pittsburgh PA where Gordon was involved in church planting and pastored several churches. Nancy worked in the children’s ministries as she continued with her passion to teach. In 1998, Nancy, accepted the position of Director of Children’s Ministry, at the Bible Chapel. Nancy was instrumental in the growth of the children’s programs, special needs program and the Vacation Bible School at the Bible Chapel. She was a teacher, mentor, advisor, leader, and a friend to so many. Nancy continued to serve at the Bible Chapel until March 2020. Oftentimes, calling volunteers to help with different Chapel ministries.
Nancy, throughout her health struggles, maintained a strong, positive outlook. She continued to minister to so many people through her encouraging words and guidance. Always a wise, Godly woman who chose her words carefully. She lived her life with a love for the Lord and truly gave of herself to serve.
“Well done my good and faithful servant!”
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, June 11, 2021, at 11am at the Bible Chapel, 300 Gallery Drive, McMurray, PA. Nancy’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Bible Chapel.
The service will be live streamed: biblechapel.org/watch-live