Nancy Ersek

Nancy Vitelli Ersek, 89, beloved wife, mother, and mom-mom, died on November 22, 2024. Formerly of Milmont Park (Ridley Township), PA, she moved to Willow Valley in Lancaster in 2009. She was born in Chester, PA to Edvige and Spartico Vitelli, who immigrated from Italy. She was very proud of her Italian heritage and always kept in touch with her relatives in Italy. She graduated from Chester High School where she was valedictorian. She also received a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University and a master’s degree from St. Joseph's University. Nancy had a passion for teaching which led to a career in education. She taught in the Ridley School District and the Professional Tutoring Lab at Delaware County Community College. While teaching at Amosland Elementary School she met the love of her life, A. Joseph Ersek. They married and spent 62 wonderful years together. Joe was the rock in her life. Nancy was a devoted mother of three and dedicated herself fully to raising her family and always placing the needs of her children above her own. She was not only a mother but a mentor who pushed her children and encouraged them to work hard, aim high and to never settle. Yet, she balanced this with lessons in humility, always teaching them to stay grounded. She was a woman of strength and integrity. Nancy and Joe were members of Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church in Swarthmore, PA where Nancy served as a Eucharistic minister for 10 years. In Lancaster, she and her husband joined as parishioners of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Nancy and her husband cherished their long-standing participation in a dinner and card group with their Ridley School District friends, which spanned over 30 years. She had a love for word and number puzzles, reading, and traveling, as well as spending quality time with friends and family, especially her beloved grandchildren. She always looked forward to her annual winter stays in Florida where she reconnected with her snowbird friends. At Willow Valley, Nancy found great joy in entertaining and dining with friends, actively engaging in the community through activities like Tai Chi, women's lunches, and hosting prospective residents. Nancy is survived by her loving husband, Joe, of Lancaster, PA, and her three children and their families: Laurie Jackman and her husband Todd of King of Prussia, PA, along with their children Dean (25) and Lily (17); Cindi Frame and her husband David of Mill Valley, CA, and their children Andrew (24), Kylie (22), and Carson (19); and Joe Ersek and his wife Rachel of Bethesda, MD, with their children Ben (18), Grace (16), and Evie (16). Nancy was preceded in death by her two brothers, Fernando Vitelli and Goffredo Vitelli. A Memorial Mass will be held at Historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 119 S. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 on Saturday, January 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Friends are welcome to greet the family starting at 10:00 a.m. Parking is available in the Steinman Parking Garage, 35 S Prince Sreet, Lancaster, PA 17603. The interment will be private. Friends are invited to The Cork & Cap Restaurant, 480 New Holland Avenue #3000, Lancaster, PA 17602 following the Mass. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to one of Nancy’s favorite charities: Water Street Mission (a local charity in Lancaster PA that feeds and clothes those in need).