Nancy Ellen Fuchs Bilson

Nancy Ellen Fuchs Bilson went to be with the Lord on August 22, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Nancy was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 3, 1944. She was one of four children and the eldest child of Ruth Anne (Dumm) and Leonard Andrew Fuchs, Jr. Nancy loved her family and was proud to be a Fuchs. As per family culture, she worked hard to remain in contact with immediate and extended family throughout her life.
Nancy was a voracious reader and loved learning. She earned her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master's of Education degree in Counseling from Temple University. Nancy started her career in career counseling; first at Temple University and then at the University of Delaware. Nancy made the transition to the private sector in 1984 when she took a job with ICI Group, one of the world's largest producers of paints and specialty chemicals. She gradually rose through the ranks becoming the senior human resources manager for ICI Explosives USA in Joplin, MO. Nancy finished her career as a human resources manager for National Starch and Chemical Co. in Salisbury, NC. where Nancy remained until her diagnosis required her to move back to Delaware.
Nancy was a wonderful mother to her two children, Richard and Stephen, whom she watched over and advocated for throughout her life. She loved them both dearly.
Nancy was a model citizen and believed deeply in service to others no matter the size or scope of the job. Nancy contributed to her various communities as a volunteer in too many ways to list here, but some examples include everything from helping to keep a local library open in Chester Springs, PA in the 1990's through to serving on the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Board of Trustees in Salisbury, NC. She loved learning about the history of her community and became involved with local historical associations including the Historic Salisbury Foundation where she was recognized in 2016 for 1,200 hours of service working to head up the docents of the historic Josephus Hall House.
Nancy once told her eldest son Richard that she was intent on doing "meaningful volunteer work" upon her retirement. Given Nancy's love of children, she was most proud of her time serving as a North Carolina Guardian ad Litem where she worked to protect children and youth who were victims of neglect and abuse by making sure judges of the court had the information and recommendations needed to make the best decisions for those children. Nancy was hands-on and served as a "voice" for at least 20 children during her time of service. She was a member of the Rotary Club, served on various community boards, and professional organizations.
Nancy loved fast cars- she owned a classic Mustang in her younger years and drove a Camaro as an empty nester. She loved flowers and gardening which was a hobby she shared with her husband Jack. She started the Salisbury chapter of the American Daylily Society and frequently had the largest and most beautiful garden wherever she lived. Later in life, Nancy found a "travel buddy" named Jane and they spent time exploring many countries in Eastern and Western Europe together fulfilling her need for adventure.
Nancy is predeceased by her parents Ruth Anne (Dumm) and Leonard Andrew Fuchs, Jr, as well as by her brother Leonard Andrew Fuchs, III. She leaves behind her sons Richard (Erin) and Stephen Gilpin, her brothers David (Becky) and John, her grandchildren Riley and Addison, and many beloved nieces and nephews, extended family, and her husband Jack Merrill Bilson, Jr.
A visitation will be held on Friday September 6th from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. with a Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 11 A.M at St Mary of the Assumption Church, 7600 Lancaster Pike Wilmington, DE 19707. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery, Ashland. Mealeyfuneralhomes.com.