Nancy Lee Schaeffer

Nancy Lee Schaeffer, 66, of Harrisonburg, VA, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Sentara RMH. She was born on May 14, 1960, to George N. Schaeffer and the late Beverly Ann Schaeffer.

Nancy grew up in the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County area, a place that remained an important part of her story throughout her life. She spent her younger years and early adulthood in the Valley before moving to the Richmond area with her sister, Bonnie. In more recent years, Nancy returned to the Valley she had once called home.

During this chapter of her life, Nancy became a member of Harrisonburg’s unhoused community. Along the way, she formed many meaningful friendships and found love, kindness, and support among both the residents and coordinators at Open Doors Harrisonburg. She was especially blessed by the friendship and compassion of a Harrisonburg Fire Department Community Paramedic who became very special to her. Since Nancy’s passing, her family has been deeply touched by the stories shared about the impact she made and the blessings she left with those she encountered throughout the community.

Nancy’s faith was deeply personal. She believed in God and knew Jesus as her Savior. Although she was never particularly drawn to conventional church settings, she found peace and felt closest to God in nature. She was more inclined to worship among the animals, trees, and beauty of the forest than within the walls of a building. Nancy knew much of God’s Word and often spoke Scripture over her own life and the lives of those she loved.

A creative soul, Nancy possessed a wonderfully artistic mind and loved expressing herself through her hands and imagination. She enjoyed drawing, making dream catchers, and creating crafts that allowed her to incorporate elements of the natural world she loved so dearly.

Music was another constant throughout Nancy’s life. As a young girl, she and her sisters would listen to albums together before bedtime, creating memories that remained special through the years. Grand Funk Railroad was an especially beloved favorite.

Nancy walked a path that was uniquely her own. Through her faith, creativity, love of nature, music, and the connections she made with others, she touched lives in ways her family is still discovering. The stories now being shared are a beautiful reminder that Nancy’s life mattered, her presence was felt, and the kindness and blessings she gave to others will continue to live on in their memories.

In addition to her father, she is survived by her siblings, Elizabeth Morris, Bobby McHone (Leslie), George Schaeffer (Sherrie), Russell Schaeffer, and Diana Crider (Kenneth); her daughter, Bobbie Jean Schaeffer; grandchildren, Jeffory A. Fauls (Kai), Jacob D. Fauls, Anna H. Hall (Jake), and Tryston Pittington; and great-granddaughters, Kairi Fauls and Eleanna S. Montonaye.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her twin sister, Bonnie Sue Royle; her son, Elijah Befree Pittington; and her companion, Walter “Ikie” Pittington, Jr.

A service to honor and celebrate Nancy’s life may be announced at a later date.

An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com

Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is honored to serve Nancy’s family.