Obituary of Nancy Birsa

Nancy J. Birsa (nee Richardson) Age 80, suddenly Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Born in Joliet to the late Lonnie and Irene (nee Conant) Richardson. She was a lifelong Joliet area resident and graduate of Joliet Township High School, Class of 1952. Formerly employed by Argonne National Laboratory and Silva Learning Method. Member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Shorewood. She enjoyed spending time playing Pinochle with a special group of high school friends for 63 years. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Devoted mother of Donald J. Birsa Jr. (Annette), Terence J. Birsa (Paula), Sally J. Honiotes (Pete), Melissa J. Trepel (Jim) and Carrie J. (Chris) Scholtes; very loving grandmother to Brianne (Spencer) Cone, Taylor, Sam, Zoe, Nick, Anna and Tess Birsa, Emily (fiancé, Derek Gibbs), Pete John, Lucy, Maggie and Grace Honiotes, Sydney Trepel, Calvin and Will Stiteley, and Jack and Max Scholtes; three great-grandchildren, Heath, Etta and Bram; also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded by her loving husband, Donald James Birsa, Sr.; her parents; three sisters, Irene Wiles, Ann Karolcik and Doris Norberg; three brothers, Lonnie, Robert and John Richardson. The family gives a heartfelt thank you to all relatives, friends and neighbors for all of their love and support. An extra special thank you to her caregiver, Charity Genosa, for her kind and gentle ways. Funeral Services for Nancy J. Birsa will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to Holy Family Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Memorials in her name may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Visitation Tuesday, 3-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For more information: (815) 741-5500.