Nancy Reist Preis

Nancy Reist Preis, 102, formerly of Camp Hill, PA, died peacefully while living at Messiah Lifeways, Mechanicsburg. She was the widow of Harry W. Preis (d. 2011) and was born in Harrisburg to the late George K. and Lillian (Billet) Reist.

Growing up, Nancy, and her late sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Geisel, were extremely close, and that bond would remain all their lives. With no children of her own, she valued the special connection she had with her nephew—Betty’s son, Bill.

Nancy attended Seiler School from kindergarten through 12th grade and would then go on to Southern Seminary & Junior College in Buena Vista, VA. Upon graduation, she became an active member of the Junior League and also attended Thompson Business School.

Nancy had a varied career, starting with the Office of Civil Defense during World War II, where she worked directly under the Deputy Director. She then became a receptionist to Governor Duff. Later, she worked in the investment field, rising through the ranks in an era when there were very few women in that profession. Nancy would become a registered representative with the NYSE, working first with Janney Montgomery Scott and then with the Baltimore-based firm, Legg Mason, in Harrisburg.

When her husband, Harry, sold Preis Companies and retired, Nancy followed suit, retiring in 1987. A devoted wife and partner, she cherished every moment spent with her husband. They traveled, wintered in Florida, and enjoyed the seashore during the summers. And when Harry’s health declined, Nancy was right there, loving and caring for him.

Nancy was a member of Camp Hill Presbyterian Church and a former deacon and trustee of Pine Street Presbyterian Church. She was a leader of Girl Scout Mariners, a past member of the Harrisburg Hospital Auxiliary, long-time treasurer of WIC’s association, a member of the West Shore Country Club, and an 18-year member of the Hillsboro Club in Hillsboro Beach, FL.

Surviving Nancy is her beloved nephew, William “Bill” Geisel of Elizabethtown; her extended family of close friends, including her beloved and devoted caretaker who stood by her and aided her for over 25 years, Ann Thomas; her long-term astute, kind and considerate business partner, Dave Bias; and wonderful friends, Doug Bowman, and Donald and Sue Wagner.

Services will be private, with interment in Rolling Green Cemetery, Camp Hill.

Those wishing to remember Nancy may make contributions in her memory to Camp Hill Presbyterian Church, 101 N. 23rd Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011, or the Bethesda Mission (Medical and Dental Clinics), PO Box 3041, Harrisburg, PA 17105, or to a charity of your choice.