Obituary of Nancy Ann Christensen
Nancy Ann Christensen, age 74, of Joliet, Il and formerly of Morris, IL passed away peacefully, at home under the loving care of her daughter on Friday morning, December 3, 2021.
Nancy was born March 7, 1947 in St. Louis, MO and raised by her devoted parents, Lillian (nee Krause) and Alexander Kotas in Milwaukee, WI. where she attended Catholic grade school and high school.
After relocating to Morris, IL where she raised her family, she also pursued her dream of becoming a healthcare professional, graduating with high honors from the Joliet Junior College nursing program, and receiving her Registered Nurse Certificate in 1991.
Nancy was truly a nurturing soul with a healing spirit, who comforted many over the years while being employed at Silver Cross Hospital, Rosewood Care Center, Walnut Grove in Morris, the former Imperial Nursing Home, and Our Lady of Angels in Joliet, from where she retired in 2014.
She is the beloved mother of James (Andrea) Christensen of Arizona and Trisha Christensen of Joliet; proud grandmother of Jimmy Christensen, Tessa Elder and Teresa Christensen; sister-in-law of Margaret Kotas. Several nieces and nephews also survive as well as her former husband, Raymond J. (Cheryl) Christensen; Robert Krupinski, who Nancy thought of as a son; and numerous loved ones and special friends including her dearest friend, Bev Clampitt and lifelong friend, Doreen Schildt.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, James Kotas; and Tom Swaney and Todd Elder, who Nancy also loved as two of her own.
Nancy was a loving and devoted mother who faithfully followed all of her children’s school and sports activities, and was their biggest fan. She enjoyed all sports, and was a diehard Green Bay Packers fan and a men’s tennis enthusiast. She had a passion for all animals, especially her cats, horses and her wilderness friends who she enjoyed watching and feeding when they would visit. Her other interests and loves included riding motorcycles, bowling, dancing, playing pool, ceramics, ice and roller skating, swimming and boating, and cooking and baking for her family and many others.
Nancy will be remembered fondly as a selfless woman who would do whatever it took to comfort those who were ill or perhaps just having an off day.
Her family is thankful for the care and compassion shown by Emily, Elvina, Dr. Suh and all at JOHA, as well as Tina, Wanda, Margie and Chyanne from Lightways Hospice, and the J. D. Brown delivery crew. We simply cannot thank all of you enough.
As it was Nancy's wish and due to COVID protocols, cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial gathering and celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family to be used for several of Nancy’s causes and interests would be appreciated.
If some good could come from Nancy’s passing, it would be to raise awareness of colo-rectal cancer, autism, and Marfan Syndrome, issues close to her heart and family.
Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or you may visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
