Bernice Herr Quay

Bernice Herr Quay, a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend to so many, died at age 97, on February 23, 2025. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of Paul M. Herr and Lillian Zwalley Herr, and the loving wife of Walter H. Quay, Jr. who died in 1973. Fiercely proud of her heritage, Bernice was the ninth generation from Hans Herr and grew up on the family farm adjacent to Herr’s Ice Plant. A lifelong Lancastrian, Bernie attended West End School and Lancaster Township Junior High and graduated from J P McCaskey High School in 1945. A graduate of West Chester State Teachers College, she earned certification in Health and Physical Education, English, and General Science. Her teaching career included time in New Jersey, Lancaster School District, and Hempfield School District where she taught English for over 20 years to seventh graders whom she loved and respected. After retirement in 1993, Bernie volunteered in the Hempfield district and particularly enjoyed time spent one-on-one with students at the Hempfield Alternate School. A longtime member of Bethany Presbyterian Church, Bernice joined First United Methodist Church in 1997. Her move to Woodcrest Villa in 2016 filled her life with a whole new set of people with whom she shared book discussions, programs, dinners, and chats. Bernie deeply cherished her Woodcrest friendships.

Family was always foremost in Bernie’s life. She met the love of her life – tall, dark and handsome Walt Quay – while students at West Chester. They shared a beautiful life in a home filled with laughter and love with their four daughters: Stephanie, wife of David Houseknecht; Nancy, wife of Jeff Bradley; Laurie, wife of Dennis Moody; and Martha, wife of Jeff Groff. In addition to her daughters, she is survived by 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Bernie deeply loved her large close-knit family and especially their yearly vacations to the beach and their annual mother-daughter January jaunts to sunny climes. An independent and determined woman, Bernie cherished, above all, her relationships with people. She cultivated friendships through personal interactions, phone calls, and most importantly, note writing. Her legacy of kindness and love is unmatched.

Bernice was predeceased by her husband Walter Quay, brother Richard Herr, sister Jean Aierstuck, and her granddaughters Melissa Moody and Ellen Houseknecht. She is survived by her brother Robert Herr.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 8, at 11:00am in the Viva Center at Woodcrest Villa. Family will receive guests before the service from 9:30-11:00. At Bernie’s request -No flowers please. A donation may be made in memory of Bernice Quay to Anchor Lancaster, 29 E. Walnut Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 www.anchorlancaster.org or to Water Street Mission at PO Box 7508 Lancaster, PA 17604-7508 https://www.wsm.org