Nancy H. Bare

Nancy H. Bare, 91, of 665 Willow Valley Square died on July 1, 2011 at The Glen at Willow Valley. Born December 3, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin B. and Leah Bard Herr. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Kendig C. (“Casey”) Bare, who died in 1989. After graduation from the former Stevens High School for Girls and then Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island in 1941, she returned to Lancaster to marry Casey who served as Mayor of Lancaster from 1950-1958. She then began and vigorously pursued a life of business and public office, with extensive civic and volunteer activities that continued until the time of her death. Mrs. Bare was elected to the Office of Prothonotary, serving from 1964 to 1967. She was an early woman’s business co-owner with her husband, managing Metzger’s Publicity Service on North King Street in the 1940s and 50s. She was President of the Junior League of Lancaster from 1949 to 1951, during the early stages of their involvement with the restoration of President Buchanan’s Wheatland home.  She was a well- known and popular “grand dame” of North Orange Street, living over 50 years in her home until her move to Willow Valley in later years. She had a lifetime of passionate support and service with the YWCA, serving as President of its Board of Directors from 1968 to 1970. And, in general, she “led by example” as a quiet advocate for women’s participation in all walks of life. Mrs. Bare was an ardent supporter of the arts, including the Fulton Theater, the Pennsylvania Academy of Music Center, the Philadelphia Symphony and, individually, a variety of local artists. Nancy was a long-term member of the First Reformed Church U.C.C.

She is survived by two nephews, David H. Towle of Ellicott City, MD and Dr. Herbert Towle of Newberry, FL and a grand nephew, Ben Towle of Winston-Salem, NC.  Her sister, Jane H. Towle, preceded her in death. Nancy lived a dynamic life full of zeal for friends, family, Lancaster, civic service, adopted “orphaned” plants, bridge and perennial quests to place a carousel in Musser Park and save a Bard family cemetery plot.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. If you wish, contributions in Nancy’s memory can be sent to a charity of one’s choice.