Fay J. Swartz

Fay Janet Snoke Swartz, 89, of Hanover, entered into God’s eternal care on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Homewood at Plum Creek following a long illness.

Born on Sunday, March 11, 1934 in Lurgan Township, Franklin County, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Janet Booz Snoke. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Ray E. Swartz, who died in 2014. A 1952 graduate of Newville High School, where she was the Valedictorian, Fay received her nursing degree from the Polyclinic School of Nursing in Harrisburg in 1955. She retired from the former Hanover General Hospital in 1996, where she had been a Registered Nurse for many years. Fay also volunteered for the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and as a Camp Nurse at Camp Eder in Fairfield.

Fay was a very active member of the Hanover Church of the Brethren where she was the organist for many years, sang in the choir, was a Bible study leader and served as a Deacon Emeritus. She was a member of the United Followers of Christ and participated in several international mission service trips, was a lifetime member of The Brethren Home Community Auxiliary. A volunteer in her community, she was active with Meals on Wheels and served as a leader for the Christian Women’s Fellowship as well as the 4-H in York County. She and Ray enjoyed their visit to the Holy Land.

Survivors include four children, Amy Despines of Hanover, Kay Swartz (Jeffrey) Rentzel of Dillsburg, Sue (Edwin) Walker of Shippensburg, and Ray Swartz, II of Spring Grove; ten grandchildren, Alison (David) Hertz, Alex (Jamie) Despines, Andrew (Christine) Rentzel, Evie Rentzel, Emily (Ryan) Dundas, Elliot (Mallery) Walker, Ethan (Josh Wacker) Walker; and Kali, Kari and Jacob Swartz; eleven great-grandchildren; a sister, Erma Norcross of Chambersburg; and a brother, Roy (Andrea) Snoke of Shippensburg. She was preceded in death by a brother, Fred Snoke; a son-in-law, Alan Despines; and a brother-in-law, Ralph Norcross.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 23, 2024 at the Hanover Church of the Brethren, 601 Wilson Avenue, Hanover, with The Rev. Mark Bowyer officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 AM on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Camp Eder, 914 Mount Hope Road, Fairfield, PA 17320.