Nancy S. Sherwin van den Honert

Nancy S. van den Honert, age 75, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025. She was born Nancy Jean Sherwin in Jacksonville, IL, on April 4, 1950, the first child of the late John and Marjorie Sherwin. She grew up on the family farm and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1972, with a BS in Music Education and in 1973 with a MS in Music Education. It was there that she met and soon married her husband of 51 years, Peter van den Honert. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sister Marilyn K. Sherwin, and brother John N. Sherwin as well as numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Nancy’s life was marked with a passionate dedication to her students. Her students always came first. She retired from teaching at General McLane School District, where she was known for her enthusiasm and extra effort. In addition to concerts by her own students, she organized student talent shows, took groups of students every year to Toronto to see shows, and to Cleveland each year to hear the Cleveland Symphony’s young people’s concert. She also served for two years as the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 2 President as well as hosting several music festivals herself. During the summer she worked at a boys’ camp in Maine where she assumed several roles over the years ranging from baker to head chef, eventually becoming co-head of the Archery Department. While at camp, she helped organize an archery team and entered them in competitions, and even won a state championship. The young people she worked with in her career knew they had had a special experience. She was equally devoted to her church, First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, being very active as a deacon, elder, chair of the Worship Committee, a Stephen Ministry leader, singing in the chancel choir, and playing in the bell choir. She also conducted the youth bell choir for a time.

The family would like to thank Interim Healthcare Hospice and Walnut Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center both for the level of care they provided and the care and compassion with which it was delivered.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 W 7th St., Erie, 16501. Friends are welcome to call on the family at the church from 11:00 am until the service at 1:00pm. Private interment. All arrangements were handled by the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant Vicary Organ Fund or WQLN, 8425 Peach St. 16509.