Nancy J. Crossman

Nancy Jane Selheimer Crossman passed away in the early morning hours of September 18, 2025, in her Brookhaven home, where she resided with her husband, David S. Crossman, for 62 years. She died peacefully under hospice service care, in the arms of her husband.

Nancy was born August 11, 1942, in Chester, Pennsylvania, in her parents' home, on her grandfather's birthday. She was the daughter of the late George Edward Selheimer and Jane Illingsworth Burke Selheimer. If one were to ask Jane what her lifetime's greatest accomplishment was, she would say "Nancy". Nancy was Jane's pride and joy. She amazed her mother in her nature, demeanor, personality and style. She was a Girl Scout and would study tap, toe, ballet and baton. She attended Chester High School, where she was Majorette Captain. She excelled in her bookkeeping class and was encouraged to start a career in banking during her senior year. It was in her sophomore year, at a Chester High basketball game, that she was introduced to David S. Crossman. They were both involved with the youth group at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Nancy sang in the girls' choir and youth fellowship choir. Dave would escort Nancy to her senior prom. They continued to date after Nancy's graduation in 1960, and on October 19, 1963, they married at St. Paul's. They moved into their brand-new house in Brookhaven, where they resided for their entire marriage.

Nancy's life would shift gradually from young newlywed to mother extraordinaire. Her career in banking would be put aside shortly after the birth of her first son. Now known as "Mrs. C", she would be a homeroom mother, Cub Scout den mother, help with school dances and yearbooks, and become the epitomal band-mother. A member of the Sun Valley Band and Choral Association from 1976 to 1984, Nancy would attend and chaperone over a hundred performances, sew hundreds of uniforms and flags for the band, and provide costumes for the chorus. Meanwhile, she would be Secretary to the Sunday School of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, volunteer at church bazaars, be elected to church vestry and sit on the church finance committee. She was on the Altar Guild. She would be elected Accounting Warden for St. Paul's, a position she still held at the end of her life.

Nancy returned to work part-time as a bookkeeper, when she felt her boys were old enough. Her hard work and exactitude would contribute to the financial success of her employers. Her style and flair would influence her co-workers, and she was known to hold her own in the boardroom. She always demanded appreciation and respect from her employers. Later in her career life, she worked by her rules and on her own terms. She retired from Tidewater Utilities, a Middlesex Water Company.

Nancy and Dave enjoyed their retirements. Dave would collect antique cars and as a couple, they belonged to and participated with many car clubs. They especially loved touring in their vintage automobiles. Nancy would volunteer with the Crozer Chester Medical Center Auxiliary, was treasurer, and was one of the candy cart ladies. Sewing and crafting all her life, Nancy would join the Undercover Quilters of Brookhaven. She was membership chair, special events chair, and she served as treasurer. She would also win the a "Best of Show" ribbon for one of her quilts.

Her friendship was valued by many throughout the years of her life. As a young woman, she was called on often to be a bridesmaid. When her friends had daughters who were getting married, she could be found at the back of churches straightening veils and trains. Prepared for anything, she often sewed and pinned bridesmaids and brides with last minute fixes. Especially in the last years of her life, she appreciated her friends, the new ones and the old ones. Once at a class reunion, a woman approached Nancy and said, "I remember you. You were nice to everybody."

Nancy will be remembered for her style and grace and her keen fashion sense. Her commanding presence moved easily between backyards, classrooms, marching fields, auditoriums, boardrooms, ballrooms and cathedrals. She had the ability to sew outfits, bake pies, and balance books – all with an effortless elan.

She is survived by her husband, David S. Crossman; her oldest son, Samuel D. Crossman; her grandson, David H. Crossman; her youngest son, Sean E. Crossman; her sister-in-law Susan D. Ficca; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her older and much-admired brother, Colonel Howard E. Selheimer, U.S. Air Force, Retired.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 noon, Thursday, September 25, 2025 in Lawn Croft Cemetery, 1000 West Ridge Road, Linwood, PA 19061. All friends and family are invited to attend and if applicable, drive their antique or vintage cars. Donations may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Tower Bell Restoration Fund, 301 East Ninth Street, Chester, PA 19013. Arrangements are with the White-Luttrell Funeral Homes, LTD.