Ann Joan Pannell Reitenbach Norris, 90

September 28, 1931 - March 31, 2022

Ann Joan “Nancy” Pannell Reitenbach Norris, 90, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2022, at Willow Valley, Lancaster, PA surrounded by her children and enveloped by the love of her family and friends. Her devotion to family, curiosity about the world, and extraordinary spirit characterized her life.

Nancy was born September 28, 1931, in Queens, NY the fifth of eight children of the late Robert and Anna (Donnelly) Pannell. She was a lifelong educator earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from SUNY Cortland. Nancy had great pride in her teaching career, beginning on Long Island and concluding at Woodrow Wilson School in Binghamton, NY. She lived in Great Neck, Binghamton, and Ithaca, NY as well as Baltimore, Frederick and Ocean Pines, MD.

Those who knew Nancy would call her charming, engaging, and fun! She loved playing games of all kinds, spending time on the tennis court and around the bridge table. True to her Catholic values, Nancy volunteered for numerous organizations and enriched the experience of countless individuals. She was a “class act”, but also feisty, earning her a reputation as a “spitfire”. Nancy modeled a strong work ethic as well as the importance of celebrating joyful moments, and made everyone feel important, genuinely interested in hearing about their lives. She was kind, loving, and always fashionable; described by many as elegant.

Her children were her world and she worked tirelessly to provide them every opportunity while placing great value on being well rounded and humble. She was always involved in their activities and extended her enthusiastic support to her grandchildren. Nancy cherished all time spent with family. Her grandchildren have many fond memories of time spent with her at Thanksgiving and the beach. She was a true sports fan, attending many sporting events from cross country meets to lacrosse games, always looking forward to the next event. Nancy was warm and nurturing, instilling a love of literature, art and learning in her students and family. The Reitenbach home was always open to those who needed a welcoming environment, a warm meal, or a few laughs.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husbands, Carl Reitenbach and Edward Norris, and siblings, Robert, John, Dolores, Cornelius, Gerard, and Marilyn.

Surviving Nancy are her sons, Keith Reitenbach (Susan), Carl Reitenbach, Jr. (Pamela Snashall), and Bruce Reitenbach (Janet); her daughter, Marilyn “Lyn” Reitenbach; grandchildren, Kristen Ciferri, Dylan Reitenbach, Sean Reitenbach (Katherine), Marley Ciferri, Kathryn Reitenbach, Julia Reitenbach (Michael Venter), Paolo Ciferri, Alison Reitenbach, and Carl Reitenbach. Also surviving are her sister, Carol O’Connor, sister-in-law Lorraine Pannell, cousin Maureen Klein, many nephews and a few nieces.

A funeral mass will be held on May 9, 2022, 11:00 am, at St. John Chrysostom, Wallingford, PA, with a visiting hour beginning at 10 am.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, at alz.org, or a charity of your choice.