Nancy Lee (Orton) Hess Obituary (1943 - 2017)

Nancy Lee (Orton) Hess, age 73 of Erie, PA was taken home on March 12, 2017. Called before her were her parents, Arnold Orton and Dorothy (Rick) Orton and an infant son, Michael Dennis Hess. Those missing her are her husband of 53 years, Merle D. Hess; daughters, Sheila Kern and husband William, and Suzanne Hess and Doug Alexander; beloved grandchildren, Kurt and Meghan Slater and great-grandson Jackson Slater, Jillian Young, Zachary Hess and Jordan Burns, Glenn Hoover III, Rylee Hoover of Erie, Ben and Breanne Carpenter and great-granddaughters, Hailey, Emma and Adeline of Pittsburgh PA, grandson William Kern (currently serving his country in Guam) and great-grandchildren Emily and Ryan of VA, Robert and Danielle Kern and great-granddaughters, Tinsley and Teagan of SC, granddaughter Madison Varndell-Kern of Venango, PA; brother, Arnold Orton, Jr. and wife Anita of Sarasota, FL; sister, Gwendolyn Southworth of Erie; in addition to many family members, nieces, nephews and friends who were genuinely loved by her. Nancy served the Lord, raising her children and caring for her family. She enjoyed reading, gardening, dining out, and camping. She was the neighborhood barber and hairstylist, coordinator of neighborhood picnics and Youth Group Leader at Wayne Park Baptist Church. For a time, she ran the kitchen and prepared the best fish fry at the Warsaw Cafe, studied martial arts and provided loving safe care in her home for many children, particularly Kyle Wright and Alexa and Bailey Snarski. Upon retirement to Largo, FL. she enjoyed swimming, sunshine, being close to her brother, facilitating community gatherings and modeling with the "Red Hat" Ladies. Returning to Erie, she was a friend to many as a member of Grace Church in McKean and joyful to be with her family and friends. Nancy was welcoming and kind to all, unless you were a mole in her garden. Her sense of humor was unique and passed down through her family, one of many gifts she leaves behind. She had a subtle way of brightening your day, or making any gathering feel like home, it was likely your burdens felt a little lighter when you left that day. There was always a home cooked meal for you, even though it may have been chicken again. If you were lucky enough to have been raised or babysat by her, chances are your first sip of soda came from Nancy, regardless of your parents' wishes. She shined brightest during holidays, family and friends from all over were invited, and the attic stairs were filled with cookies and fudge for Christmas. Friends became family, and each heart grew a little bigger having known her. Nancy will be missed, and there are not enough words to describe who she was, and what she left for us all. The love she extended was an example of Christ's love, this gives us peace knowing God has called her to her true home. Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., 2607 Buffalo Rd., on Saturday from 11 am until the time of the Funeral Service there at 1 pm. Interment, Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.