Obituary of Nancy Ann Bischoff

Nancy Ann Bischoff, 84, passed away peacefully at her home in Belvidere, New Jersey, surrounded by her beloved family. Born on January 13, 1941, in Glen Gardner, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Elsie and Donald Drake. Nancy grew up in Glen Gardner until she married the love of her life, William “Bill” Bischoff, on June 6, 1959, at Spruce Run Lutheran Church. Together, Nancy and Bill shared 66 wonderful years of marriage and raised three daughters.

Nancy and Bill settled their family in Califon, New Jersey, where they proudly owned and operated Bischoff’s Variety Store for 40 years. Known for her remarkable talents in the kitchen, Nancy could cook a perfect meal or bake an unforgettable apple pie—always crafted with precision and loved by all. Her recipes were treasured, much like the memories she created around the table.

Family meant everything to Nancy. She especially cherished the yearly family picnics, which became even more meaningful as her family grew. She was a longtime member of the Califon Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, and she enjoyed playing bingo, trying her luck on scratch offs and bowling on “The Strikers” alongside her daughter Brenda. For many years, Nancy and Bill spent their winters as snowbirds in Florida, a tradition they enjoyed until traveling became too difficult.

Nancy is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, William Bischoff; her daughters Lorraine Fachet and her husband John, Brenda Astrab and her husband John, and Lenora Person; her sisters Myra Heft and Donna Peterson; her grandchildren Steven, Eric, Breanna, Danielle, Austin, and Adam; and her great-grandchildren Mason, Jackson, Blakely, Sadie, and Sawyer. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Nancy is predeceased by her parents Donald and Elsie Drake, brother Paul Drake, brother, Donald Drake, and by her sister Wanda Bronson. 

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Knoll-DeVoe Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 142 West Washington Avenue, Washington, New Jersey. A Memorial Service of Remembrance will follow at 1:00 p.m., with burial immediately afterward at Musconetcong Valley Cemetery in Hampton, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Please Click Here to Donate