Nancy J. Cocanower

Nancy J. Cocanower, 63, of Elkhart, died on Friday, July 14, 2023, at the Ernestine Raclin House at the Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Nancy was born on Sept. 15, 1959, in Elkhart to Kenneth and Jane (Mann) Teague. She was preceded in death by a stepbrother, Jason Bontrager, and a nephew, Dustin Overmyer.

On June 29, 1985, Nancy married Lamar D. Cocanower in Elkhart. Lamar died on Dec. 23, 1988. She is survived by her daughter, Ashley McGhan (Josh Hanshaw) of Elkhart; four grandchildren, Finley, Elliott, Olivia and Hunter; her mother and stepfather, Jane (Jim) Bontrager of Elkhart; her father, Kenneth Teague of Elkhart; a sister, Karen Elliott of Elkhart; her "adopted daughter," Nicole Wright of Elkhart; her sister-in-law, Lynnette Schmidt of Arlington, Washington; two nieces; Stephanie Bellfy of Edwardsburg, MI and Nicole Schmidt; two nephews: Christopher and Brandon Schmidt and her significant other, John Zablocki of Niles, Michigan.

Nancy was employed by Bristol Street Pediatrics, now Beacon Health Systems, for 31 years as a financial specialist. She thoroughly enjoyed her co-workers and being able to help people. A graduate of Edwardsburg High School and then Davenport College, where she received an associate degree in applied science, Nancy loved being at the beach and watching sunsets. She had an avid love for horses, was always up for a new adventure and loved taking day trips. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy.

Visitation for Nancy will be held on Friday, July 21, from 4 until 6 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m., all at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home. The Rev. Al Kinsey will officiate. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial contributions in memory of Nancy may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place Mishawaka, IN 46545 or to the family for funeral expenses, in care of the funeral home.

To leave the family an online condolence, please visit the funeral home website.