Margo L. Vance, 72, personnel director

Margo L. Vance, 72, of Cherry Hill, a longtime personnel director in Philadelphia, died Monday, Sept. 22, of complications from pancreatic cancer at AristaCare, a nursing home in Cherry Hill.

Mrs. Vance, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2006, outlived the average life expectancy for pancreatic cancer patients, many of whom do not survive for five years.

"She fought," said daughter Dawn. "Her physician called her a miracle."

Born Margo Louise Gales, Mrs. Vance was raised in Philadelphia and graduated from John Bartram High School.

From 1966 to 1976, Mrs. Vance was an administrator in the adolescent unit at the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital, a psychiatric facility that now is closed.

From 1976 to 1982, she was the assistant human resources director at Albert Einstein Medical Center. While there, she supported the neighborhood youth program.

Mrs. Vance went on to become director of personnel at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, and stayed from 1982 until 1998, when she took an employee buyout.

She believed a personnel director should do more than just counseling, recruitment, and conflict resolution. So she instituted community enrichment programs, organized Red Cross blood drives, made available SEPTA transportation incentives for workers, and created enrichment programs for the children of employees.

"She received so many awards and plaques," said her daughter. "She was highly respected in her field."

Mrs. Vance attended Cheyney State College, now a university, until she married Jim Vance and had their daughter. The two divorced.

In her spare time, Mrs. Vance enjoyed tap dancing, attending the Mummers Parade, and hiking. She loved visiting warm, sunny places. "She had a special affinity for Caribbean blue waters," said her daughter.

In addition to her daughter and former husband, Mrs. Vance is survived by a grandson and three nieces.

A viewing from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26, will be followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service, both at Terranova Funeral Home, 402 White Horse Pike, Haddon Heights. Burial is at Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill.

Condolences for the family may be posted on www.terranovafuneralhome.com.