Nancy E. Lewis

1951 - 2025

Nancy E. Lewis
Born: September 28, 1951 in Oak Park. IL
Died: October 19, 2025 in Varna, IL
Nancy E. Lewis, 74, of Varna, IL, passed away at home on Sunday, October 19, 2025. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Mt Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst. Cremation rites have been accorded and Seals-Campbell Funeral Home in Marseilles has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Nancy was born on September 28, 1951, in Oak Park, IL to Robert O. and Maurine (Stinson) Lewis. In 1980, she married William Peabody of Ottawa. They spent the last 45 years lovingly supporting one another's careers and aspirations.
Nancy graduated from Illinois State University in 1973 with a bachelor's degree in special education. She then moved to Ottawa and began working in the Special Education Department within the Ottawa Elementary School District for several years. She then went on to obtain her master's degree in Social Work at St Louis University. Upon graduation, she returned to Ottawa and began her career as a social worker for over 20 years within the elementary school districts of Ottawa and LaSalle as well as at BMP Special Education Cooperative until her retirement.
Her greatest enjoyment was time spent with her loved ones. She had a wonderful childhood filled with unconditional love which influenced her decision to pursue a career in special education and social work. Endless memories were made during family gatherings that took place at Lake Wildwood over the last 44 years. She loved big and was an incredible source of support and encouragement to her grandchildren and great grandchildren who all referred to her as "Nana"...a name she wore proudly. She loved listening to her favorite oldies music and would often be heard singing along. She had a generous heart and found immense pleasure in helping others. She loved dogs and has had at least one rescued furry friend by her side for more than half her life.
She is survived by her husband, Bill; stepchildren, Michael Peabody and Michelle (Kirk) Klein; eight grandchildren, Jo Lynn Elliot, Krystal Peabody, Tara Evans, Shane Evans, Cody Peabody, Shailey Klein, Mackenzie Klein, and William Klein; seven great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Linda Hallmann, Cindy (Bill) Jirkovsky, and Peggy (Paul) Gillespie and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Robert Walker Lewis. Despite her many years of formal education, she would say that her best teachers in life were her brother Bob and her parents.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to P.A.W.S. of Tinley Park or to Illinois Valley PADS in Ottawa.
Seals-Campbell Funeral Home
1009 E. Bluff St., Marseilles, IL 61341
815-795-5151 www.sealscampbell.com