Rev. Nancy DeArruda Emrich

Rev. Nancy DeArruda Emrich

August 28, 1933 – January 26, 2026

Palm Harbor, Florida

The Reverend Nancy DeArruda Emrich was received into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, January 26, 2026, after several years of failing health. She was the beloved wife of Alfred (Al) DeArruda for 29 years and of Anthony (Tony) Emrich for 18 years, both of whom preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children: Michael (Amy) DeArruda of Land O' Lakes, FL, Terry DeArruda of East Bridgewater, MA, Phyllis (Bob) Honeysett of Clearwater, FL, and Peter (Darleen) DeArruda of Whitestone, NY; eight grandchildren: Kristin DeArruda-Wharton (Nick Wharton), Justin DeArruda (Kristen Braun), Kathryn DeArruda (Michael Martinez), Robby, Joseph and Emily Honeysett, Chris and Stefanie DeArruda; and eight great-grandchildren: Henry DeArruda-Weaver, Mary June and Eli Wharton, Kylee and Isaac Martinez, Marianna and Milana DeArruda, and Olivia Grace Honeysett.

She was predeceased by her parents; and siblings, Frederick Crane, Rosa Waterman, Robert Crane, and Phyllis Savery; and her son-in-law, Bill (Terry) Govoni.

Born in Newton, Massachusetts, Nancy was the youngest of five children born to Percy and Anna (Sullivan) Crane. She grew up in Middleboro, Massachusetts, where as a teenager she met the love of her life, Al. They married in 1950 and raised their family in North Middleboro before moving to Lakeville, Massachusetts.

Nancy worked at several local businesses, including the Walker Company; the once-famous Eugene's Restaurant (now Brack's) in Middleboro; J.C. Goff Company in Taunton; and as a successful independent Tupperware manager. She was a graduate of Middleboro High School and, in her adult years, earned a bachelor's and master's degree in Christian Counseling.

Nancy loved singing, dancing, hosting special occasions, parties, and cookouts-always making them memorable. She cherished time with her family, swimming in Loon Pond in Lakeville, and summer vacations in Chatham on Cape Cod. She poured her love into her family, providing a nurturing home and instilling in her children the importance of higher education, which each of them pursued. Throughout her life, Nancy's effervescent personality drew many close, lifelong friends whom she deeply cherished.

Nancy and Al shared a deep and abiding faith in God. Raised in the Roman Catholic Church, they inspired in their children a reverence for God and a hunger for faith. In their adult years, Nancy and Al experienced a renewed and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This journey led them to Elim Bible Institute in upstate New York, where Al enrolled in the ministerial program, completing one semester before his sudden death.

Shortly thereafter, Nancy was invited to serve as Dean of Women at Elim Bible Institute-a role uniquely suited to her gifts-which she faithfully fulfilled for five years. She mentored many young women who admired her wisdom, compassion, guidance, and even her sense of style. She was ordained to the Christian ministry through Elim Fellowship, the missionary arm of Elim Bible Institute. Nancy also traveled to Kenya, Uganda, and Turkey for mission work.

Nancy's passion for "the least and the lost" drew her to New York City, where she joined the staff of the New York School of Urban Ministry for five dedicated years. There she was instrumental in establishing church food pantries for the underserved and played a key role in organizing compassionate late-night outreach efforts, during which hundreds of Christian workers served, fed, and clothed the homeless. In the 1990s, her tireless service was recognized by the Queens Federation of Churches, which awarded her its highest honor for compassionate ministry.

Continuing her commitment to serving those in need, Nancy went on to establish Bethesda House of Mercy, in partnership with The Brooklyn Tabernacle-a place of refuge for women and children. While traveling to promote this ministry, she met her second husband, Tony Emrich. They married and made their home in Clearwater, Florida, where together they ministered in local churches and through volunteer organizations such as Helping Hands of America.

After Tony's passing, Nancy continued her ministry of presence and care among the sick, the hurting, and the lonely in the assisted living and care communities where she resided in her final years-always encouraging others and assuring them of God's steadfast and everlasting love.

The service celebrating Nancy's life as a child of God will be held at Curlew Hills Memorial Gardens, 1750 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, Florida, on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Viewing will begin at 12 pm, followed by the funeral and committal services at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Nancy's life and ministry may be made to the New York School of Urban Ministry, designated for the homeless outreach she helped establish more than three decades ago. NYSUM, 31-10 47th Street, Long Island City, NY 11103.

The service will be live-streamed for anyone who cannot attend. On the obituary page on the Funeral Service tab, click "Watch Event". The link will be Live for 30 days following the service.