Nancy L. Beard

Nancy L. (Koppenhaver) Beard, 75, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at UPMC Pinnacle West Shore Hospital. The daughter of the late Russell and Carrie (Shanabrough) Thompson, she was born on October 1, 1945 in Harrisburg.

A graduate of Central Dauphin High School, Nancy remained in Central PA throughout her life. She retired as an administrative aide for the Cumberland Valley School District after more than twenty years of employment. Nancy wasn’t one to sit still, so she found different part-time jobs here and there to occupy her time. After all, she enjoyed being with people (and animals too). Nancy and her husband, Wes, lived next to protected game lands, and the two developed quite a relationship with the neighboring wildlife. Their evening routine consisted of feeding the deer, while giving the rabbits and squirrels a little attention of their own. They also enjoyed their getaways together, but Nancy certainly wasn’t fussy when it came to travel destinations; she could be in the mountains one day and at the beach the next. They enjoyed antiquing and visiting local flea and farmers markets, and they both had a common interest in horses. They each owned horses early in their relationship, and their love for riding continued throughout life. Faith brought she and Wes together, and their marriage flourished because of their love for the Lord. They were longtime members of Shermans Dale Seventh-day Adventist Church in Perry County, and you need not look further than the text on Nancy’s car to see that she was a disciple of Christ. She was a caring and selfless woman, and she wanted nothing more than to be with her family and to support them in every way possible. She loved her boys and provided for them as they grew, and she found total happiness when her tenure as “grandma” began. She was the biggest cheerleader and fan for her grandkids, whether it be in academics, sports or their achievements in life. She was a genuine and beautiful soul, and her family is grateful for the time they shared on this earth.

Surviving Nancy is her husband of nearly 30 years, Wesley P. Beard; her sons, Dale S. Koppenhaver (fiancée, Laura Peglar Cook) of Lisburn, and Kenneth L. Koppenhaver of Etters; grandchildren, Brenden Koppenhaver, Kate Koppenhaver and Addison Pruneau; a brother-in-law, Larry Beard (Kay); and many nieces and nephews.

A public memorial service will be held at 3PM on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Shermans Dale Seventh-day Adventist Church, 6951 Spring Road, Shermans Dale, PA 17090.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Nancy’s name to the SPCA of York County, 3159 Susquehanna Trail, North York, PA 17406, or at www.ycspca.org.