Nancy Jackson

Nancy Carol Jackson, age 83, passed away on July 31, 2025, in Elmhurst, Illinois. Cremation rites have been accorded. Wasmer Funeral Home is privileged to assist the family. There will be a private Celebration of Life with burial of ashes at a later date. Born on May 5, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois to Harvey and Velma Van Buskirk. Nancy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, educator, and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Harvey and Virginia. She is survived by her loving husband Leonard Jackson; brothers, Ron and Larry; children, Scott Lilly, Rick (Sharon) Lilly and Cathie (Jim) Hughes; children by marriage, Kim (Drew) Ptak and Kyle (Tracy) Jackson; and seven grandchildren, Alina, Jesse, Riley, Tyler, Payton, Kayln, and Laylah. Nancy grew up in New Lenox, Illinois. Later, she moved to Downers Grove, Illinois and graduated from Downers Grove High School in 1960. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern Illinois University in 1965 and earned a Master of Science degree in Reading from Governors State University in the 1970s.Her teaching career began in Jasper County, Illinois, and continued in the Valley View School District in Bolingbrook. In addition to her teaching, she held part-time jobs at Indian Oaks Clubhouse and later at Osco in Bolingbrook. In 1998, Nancy married Leonard Jackson, welcoming and blending their families with love and grace. She was a devoted mother and stepmother, and her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren. Creating lasting memories with her family filled with laughter and love. After moving to Mendota, Nancy continued her life of service and community involvement. She volunteered at a local nursing home, sharing her love of crafts, and later at Nightingale’s resale shop. She was an active and cherished member of the Good timers group at Woodhaven Lakes, where she spent recent years organizing and leading games, bringing joy to everyone around her. She was an avid reader and was on the Board of Trustees of Graves Hume Public Library in Mendota. Nancy had a gift for hospitality, especially during the Sweet Corn Festival Parade, where she hosted large gatherings at their beautiful Victorian home in Mendota. Her warmth and generosity made every guest feel welcome. Her hobbies reflected her creativity and zest for life—crocheting, learning new crafts, and playing games of all sorts. She especially cherished her morning Rummy matches with her husband. Nancy’s kindness, warmth, and generous heart touched many lives. Her legacy lives on in the memories she created the lessons she taught, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Memorials may be directed to Illinois Valley Animal Rescue-IVAR and condolences may be left at wasmerfuneralhome.com.