Nancy C. Swisher
Nancy C. Swisher
Nancy Jane Caricofe Swisher, of Augusta County, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the age of 87, at Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah House in Fishersville. Born on July 6, 1938, to the late Norman and Francis Caricofe, she was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and friend whose life was defined by service, leadership, and deep compassion for others. Nancy shared sixty-three years of marriage with her beloved husband, the late Hugh Sylvester Swisher, building a life grounded in love, partnership, and family. A passionate advocate for education, Nancy devoted her professional life to shaping young minds. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Education and her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Madison College, proudly becoming the first in her family to graduate from college. She went on to serve as a cherished kindergarten teacher at Bessie Weller Elementary School for forty-eight years. Generations of students were welcomed into her classroom with warmth, patience, and encouragement, leaving a lasting imprint on countless lives. Her commitment to service extended far beyond her classroom. Nancy was a charter member of the Chi Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, where she held numerous leadership roles, including Chapter President and State President. A dedicated member of Second Presbyterian Church, she helped pave the way for future generations as one of the first women to serve as an elder and later faithfully served as Clerk of Session. Nancy remained actively engaged in her community throughout her life. She was involved with the Middlebrook Ruritan Club, the Staunton Education Association, and served as President of the Augusta Retired Educators Association. In every role, she exemplified integrity, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others. In her personal life, Nancy held a deep love for farming and rural living on Oak Springs Farm. Independent and determined from a young age, she learned to drive a tractor and earned her driver’s license at just fifteen years old. She approached every aspect of her life with energy, resilience, and an unwavering work ethic. She is survived by her son, H. Olen Swisher and his wife, Megan. She was a proud and loving “Memaw” to her grandchildren, Kailyn and Jayce Swisher, and Wyatt, Weston, and Mackenzie Shomo. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Rainey and Cindy Hooke; her niece, Shea Harris and her husband, Bryan; her nephew, Carson Rainey; and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her greatly. Nancy Jane Caricofe Swisher lived a life of purpose and influence. Her legacy of service, leadership, kindness, and devotion to family and community will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 27, 2026, also at Henry Funeral home with Pastor Theresa Moore officiating. Interment will follow at Thornrose Cemetery. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren: Kailyn and Jayce Swisher, Wyatt, Weston, and Mackenzie Shomo, Jonathan Coleman, Chad Blackwell, Tim Hartless, Justin Shomo, and Mark Wagner. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105) and Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah House (Attn: Augusta Health Foundation, PO Box 909, Fishersville, VA 22939).
