Obituary of Marcia J. Nania
Marcia J. Nania
(nee Sieczkowski)
Marcia J. Nania, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, at the age of 84. Marcia was born in Chicago Heights into a loving Polish-American family. Growing up with her parents, Frank and Charlotte, and her brother William (Bill), Marcia learned early on the importance of family, having spent her childhood with aunts, uncles, grandparents, and many cousins. Marcia attended Ascension Elementary School and graduated from Thornton Township High School. She entered the working world after high school with a job in a grocery store. After learning that coworkers earned more than her, she left that job for another one in downtown Chicago as a receptionist for Standard Car. Marcia rode the elevator every day in the building where she worked, and when she first saw the elevator operator, Peter, she knew right away she would be marrying him. Sure enough, Marcia married Peter, and they had three children: Terri, Pete Jr., and Jon. Marcia held a variety of jobs to help support her family, with her final job being in daycare, which led to many lasting friendships.
Marcia loved to spend time with family and friends. She planned many family vacations that included trips to Florida, Las Vegas, Italy, Costa Rica, and cruises that resulted in lifelong family memories. She demonstrated just how important her family and friends were to her by hosting many holidays, organizing meals out together, and simply spending time visiting. Her vibrant personality and generosity drew family and friends to her and fostered countless meaningful connections. Even strangers meeting Marcia for the first time immediately sensed what a truly special woman she was.
Marcia was also involved in other activities such as playing Rummikub, participating in PTAs, meeting friends for meals or to play bunko, going to live theater, and being in TOPS. As a member of TOPS for several decades, Marcia took on leadership roles and even won an international award that was presented to her in Seattle. She also loved animals, having a variety of pets including dogs, hamsters, guinea pigs, fish, and even a duck. Marcia was always determined to do what she wanted, when she wanted. If someone told her she shouldn’t or couldn’t do something, it just made her more determined to do it. The one standout example of Marcia doing things her way is going skydiving at 81 years old. That determination is also one of the reasons her family and friends remain close, because she would bring them together. Those are the memories and lasting bonds that will live on with all of her family and friends, and why she will be greatly missed.
Marcia is survived by her daughter Terri; sons Pete and Jon; grandsons Ian, Jordan, and Kyle; great-grandchildren Peyton and Presley; brother and sister-in-law Bill and Barb, and many nieces and nephews (including the greats) who loved her dearly.
She is preceded in death by her father, Frank; her mother, Charlotte; and her husband, Peter.
Funeral Services for Marcia J. Nania will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Justice. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
