Necrology

Nancy Blanshard Kelner K'74

Jan. 2, 1952-Nov. 11, 2018

Nancy Blanshard Kelner K’74 died on Nov. 11, 2018, in hospice care in Pinellas Park, Fla. Born on Jan. 2, 1952, in West Mount Airy, Pa., she later lived in Philadelphia and came to Kirkland from the Germantown Friends School. On the Hill, she majored in American literature and also met Laurence R. Kelner ’72. They were married on Aug. 27, 1972, at the Chestnut Hill (Quaker) Meeting House in Chestnut Hill, Pa.  

They made their home in Stroudsburg, Pa., where Larry took a job in his father’s business: Stroudsburg Wholesalers, Inc. Meanwhile, Nancy took courses at the University of Pennsylvania and East Stroudsburg State College (now East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania) to complete degree requirements at Kirkland so she could graduate with her class. In time, Larry was promoted to wholesale manager, and, after completing her coursework, Nancy began to work at Larry’s company, putting together and shipping orders. The hours were long, often more than 40 hours per week.

On Jan. 7, 1978, Nancy gave birth to Sylvie, the first of her two daughters. She stepped away from the company to devote time to her child. Two years later, Paula, named for her grandfather, Paul Blanshard, Jr., was born on Aug. 19, 1980. By 1985, the Kelners had moved to Palm Harbor, Fla., where Larry began selling mortgages. For a time, Nancy volunteered as a tutor in an elementary school.

After their marriage ended, Nancy moved to Holiday, Fla., and studied to be a computer coder, creating programs for medical practices. She continued in this work until her death.

Nancy Blanshard Kelner is survived by her two daughters and five grandchildren.

Necrology Home