Nancy Jane Sheridan

Nancy Jane Sheridan, 93, died at 9:30 P.M. Wednesday, June 22, 2022.  She was born on Saturday, August 4, 1928 in Rochester, New York, the daughter of Clarence and Estelle Damuth. Nancy was beloved by her late husband of 40 years, Dr. Jim Sheridan, family and friends along her earthly journey through Rochester, New York; Wooster, Ohio, Urbana, Illinois; Athens, Ohio; St. Cloud, Minnesota and Meadville, Pennsylvania.

Nancy is survived by, three sons; Scott Nygaard (Claudia Campazzo), Steve Nygaard and Michael (Jill) Sheridan,  and seven grandchildren: Josef Nygaard, RutheAnne Nygaard, Anson Nygaard , Kira Lise Nygaard , Kyle Anne Sheridan, Javan Johnson, and Josie Johnson.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Jim Sheridan and many dear friends.

Nancy Jane Damuth was born in Geneseo Hospital in Rochester, New York in 1928, the only child of Estelle and Clarence Damuth. Nancy graduated from Monroe High School (NY) in 1946. Her favorite childhood memories were the summers spent at the family cottage on Honeoye Lake.  Nancy grew up in a family of volunteers so it came naturally to her to follow her heart to enlist to help others. She volunteered as a nurses’ aide at the local hospital and as an aide at a settlement house in Rochester. 

In 1946, Nancy entered the freshman class at the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio. She graduated from Wooster in 1950 with a major in French and English where she was also active in student government.

Following graduation, Nancy worked at the counseling center at the University of Illinois while she was married to her first husband, Jack Nygaard. They moved to Athens, Ohio where she worked as a public school English teacher and was a mother to her first two sons, Scott Nygaard and Steve Nygaard.

Nancy met her second husband, Jim Sheridan and moved to St. Cloud, Minnesota where they had a son, Michael Sheridan. In 1965, they moved to Meadville, Pennsylvania, where Jim taught in the philosophy department for more than 40 years until his death in 2001. 
 
Nancy embraced the pride of being an Allegheny Gator for 42 years as a Psychometrist, Study Skills Counselor, Director of Student Services, Associate Director of the Learning Commons, and Director of Accommodations for Students With Disabilities. Each of these positions allowed an outlet for her to stand in the gap as a strong advocate for students with disabilities and women’s rights. The Nancy Sheridan Allegheny College Association Continuing Education Scholarship began in 1973. She was instrumental in starting this Scholarship which gives women of Crawford County ages 25 and older the opportunity to return to the college classroom. Nancy and friends also established the Dr. James F. Sheridan Memorial fund to provide support for students and faculty in the Department of Philosophy and Religious studies at Allegheny.  She was also instrumental in the organization and participated in Allegheny's Elder Learning force, which offers free college lecture series to seniors in the community. She also worked with beloved friends with the administration of the Creating Landscapes program, a summer program to support natural curiosity, critical thinking and explore discovery with a diverse learning population. 

Nancy was an early participant in the establishment of Women’s Services and was active as a board member for 35 years. In that role, she assisted the organization in many capacities including fundraising, policy development, oversight and human resources. In 2000, she received the Richard T. Sherman Distinguished Service Award for her work at Women’s Services.  Additionally, as a breast cancer survivor, she volunteered her time as a greeter at the Meadville Medical Center's Barco Oncology Center.

The family wishes to sincerely thank those who assisted her along the last leg of her life’s journey:  the countless beloved friends of the community of Meadville PA, all of her many colleagues and associates at Allegheny College, employees from Home Instead, Juniper Village, The Oaks of Northpointe Zanesville, and Adams Lane Care Center. 

Per Nancy’s wishes, a cremation has taken place and services will be held on Friday, July 8 at 10:00am at Ford Chapel on the campus of Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. The Bryan Hardwick Funeral Home, 2318 Maple Ave. Zanesville, Ohio is in charge of the arrangements.

The family requests that any memorial gifts be directed to the The Nancy Sheridan Allegheny College Association Continuing Education Scholarship: http://acascholar.allegheny.edu/

Individuals can either give online at allegheny.edu/giving or by check made out to Allegheny College, sent to Allegheny College Annual Fund, 520 N Main St, Meadville, PA 16335. Please include a note that the gift is made in memory of Nancy Sheridan so that donations will be directed to the Nancy Sheridan Allegheny College Association Continuing Education Scholarship.

The Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home, 2318 Maple Ave. Zanesville is in charge of the arrangements. To share memories and condolences with Nancy’s family please click the Tribute Wall tab on this page.

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