Nancy Alden Roberts, ardent reader
Nancy Alden Roberts, 77, of Lewes, died peacefully at home on Christmas Day, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021. Nancy left this life while doing something she loved and that brought her so much joy – wrapping gifts for her beloved family. Nancy was a holiday-season baby, born Nancy Priscilla Alden on Dec. 28, 1943, daughter of the late Bill and Eloise Alden, and a direct descendant of pilgrims John and Priscilla Alden. She was educated in English at Morris Harvey College (now University of Charleston) in Charleston, W.Va., and graduated in 1965. Nancy was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, in which she made some lifelong sorority sisters who became like family. Nancy also received her master’s in English from University of Delaware in 1969.
Nancy met Gary Wray in college, and they married in 1966 in Columbus, Ohio. They then moved to Delaware, and both became teachers in Caesar Rodney School District. Nancy also taught in Milford School District and Cape Henlopen School District. Gary and Nancy chose to stay in Delaware to raise their three daughters together: Jessica (Mrs. John) O'Leary in Ocean View, Robin Wray in Lewes, and Katie (Mrs. Mike) Schimmel in Lincoln. Although they divorced in 1987, Nancy and Gary remained lifelong friends, and loved being grandparents to nine grandchildren together.
Nancy was widow to Milt Roberts (1918-1991), whom she married in 1987. She was also predeceased by her parents, whom she had lovingly cared for in her home. In addition to Gary Wray, their three daughters, and two sons-in-law, Nancy is also survived by her two brothers, two sisters-in-law, and their children (eight nieces and nephews): John (and Amy) Alden of Columbus, and Jim (and Kathy) Alden of Spring Lake Heights, N.J.; nine grandchildren - Mandy Christopher of Berlin, Md., Abbey Christopher of Salisbury, Md., Max and Zak Wray of Lewes, Liam, Sean, and Lily O’Leary of Ocean View, and Nicholas and Christian Schimmel of Lincoln; her cousin, Marilyn Howard of Findlay, Ohio, and her family; and many friends and acquaintances who will all deeply miss her.
Nancy was active in several nonprofit local organizations, including being the recording secretary for the Fort Miles Historical Association and the Lewes Junction Railroad and Bridge Association. Nancy was a gift to all who knew her. She was loved by many and memories of her will be cherished forever.
Arrangements and services are private. Nancy was an avid reader. Anyone who wishes to honor Nancy’s memory could do so with a gift of support to Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes, DE 19958, lewes.lib.de.us.
Final care for Mrs. Roberts has been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Visit Mrs. Roberts's Life Memorial webpage and sign her virtual guest book at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
