Nancy Burnham Henderer

Nancy Burnham Henderer passed away on Monday, February 13, 2017 at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin, DE. She was 96 years old. She was born in Summit, NJ, the daughter of Philip W. Burnham and Mary Phillips Burnham, and was a graduate of Summit High School. In 1941, after graduating from Lasell Junior College, Auburndale, MA, Nancy moved with her family to Wilmington, where she met her husband after the war ended. Willard E. Henderer II (Bill), her husband of 52 years, died in 1999. Nancy was an enthusiastic volunteer who felt honored and privileged to be a part of many organizations dedicated to helping others and to making a difference in the Wilmington community. And she cherished the enduring friendships she formed with other volunteers. As a member of the Junior League of Wilmington, Nancy helped with the organization of the Delaware Curative Workshop, Wilmington Senior Center, and Theater Puppet Committee. She served as President, Junior League of Wilmington, 1960–61; General Chair, Wilmington Flower Market, 1964; and President of the Board of Managers, The Home of Merciful Rest Society (operating Kentmere Nursing Care Center), 1967–1969. As a member of The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Delaware, Nancy oversaw the restoration of the interior of the First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington, their headquarters, to how it might have looked as an early church in 1740. It was dedicated in 1981. She had previously served as the Delaware Society's President, 1973–76, and, in 1977, she was elected to the National Roll of Honor for distinguished services as President to NSCDA, Delaware Society. A member of Westminster Presbyterian Church; Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Delaware; and, with her husband, an original and long-time member of Greenville Country Club. She enjoyed playing tennis, golf, and especially bridge. Handwork: knitting, sewing, crewelwork, and painting. She loved sitting on the beach in the summer, skiing in the winter, and traveling with her husband and friends. Nancy was preceded in death by her two sisters: Barbara Rice of Zionsville, IN (formerly of Sarasota, FL) in 2014 and Jane Eliason of Wilmington in 2013. She is survived by three children: Willard E. Henderer III (Ted) of Seabrook Island, SC, D. Rodman Henderer (Rod) of Chevy Chase, MD, and Priscilla Henderer of Baltimore, MD; four grandchildren: Daniel, Jeffrey, Anna, and Peter Henderer; and two great-grandchildren: Shaun and Alexis. A memorial service and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in her memory may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 West 13th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806.