Nancy Duel Obituary
Born in Yonkers, NY, Nancy was a distinguished student, graduating high school as Valedictorian and later earning a degree from Cornell University's College of Home Economics. After college, Nancy moved to New York City where she worked for Lever Brothers in their Test Kitchen, researching the use of honey as a sweetener in baked goods.
Nancy was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights (FUMCAH) for 65 years, where she served in numerous roles demonstrating persistence, faith, and leadership. Her service included supporting women and Missions, participating in the Church Council, aiding the homeless through night shifts with PADS, and initiating the Bountiful Harvest table to benefit Faith Feeds and NorthWest Compass. Her leadership extended to serving as Conference President of United Methodist Women (now known as United Women in Faith), and as a Board member for the Northern IL Conference of the UMC, League of Women Voters, and Church Women United.
Nancy was a longtime supporter and advocate for children and families through Kids Above All. She joined their Board of Trustees in 1986 and was elected to lead the Board in 1991. Nancy's leadership helped shape the organization's growth, resilience, and mission focus. Her unwavering commitment to making a difference impacted countless children and families in the Chicagoland area.
Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Garrett Duel. She is survived by her three children-Richard (Debbie Ashe), Susan, and Barbara (Robert) Boudart-and three grandchildren: Casey Duel, Tyler Boudart and Elise Boudart. A celebration of her life is planned for Friday, November 7th at 11:00 a.m. at FUMCAH, 1903 E Euclid Ave, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to FUMCAH or Kids Above All, 8765 W Higgins Road, #450, Chicago, IL 60631.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Judith Royal
November 5, 2025
I am grateful for having known Nancy. She had a lot of energy and commitment, particularly to Kids Above All and protesting gambling at the racetrack. I valued Nancy's work on issues supported by local League of Women Voters and her time as a League officer. Nancy had remarkable energy!
Catherine Inserra
October 16, 2025
Dottie Priddy
October 7, 2025
Nancy had a passion for serving and sharing. As past president of United Methodist Women, she supported those who followed her leadership with guidance and wisdom.
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Elnora Hamb
October 6, 2025
IN LOVING MEMORY OF A WONDERFUL WOMAN, I worked with Nancy Duel with World Federation Methodist & Uniting Church Women and Church Women United for many years a dedicated servant for God. I will miss her.
DR. Elnora P. Hamb, Past International President Women's Missionary Council CME Church October 6, 2025
Rita L Smith
October 6, 2025
Nancy was a dedicated United Women in Faith ( former United Methodist Women) always willing to go the extra mile.
Rita L. Smith
Elaine Bailey Johnson
October 6, 2025
We thank God for the life of Nancy Duel and for her life long commitment to Church Women United Northwest Cook & Vicinity Area Unit as long as her health allowed. We are praying for those left behind who loved her.
Elaine Bailey Johnson, Past President Church Women United in Illinois
MaryAnn Burson
October 6, 2025
Nancy was a blessing to so many through her leadership and example. I was honored to know her through United Methodist Women. Prayers rising for her family
Jean Wood
October 6, 2025
Nancy was the first person I met at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights when my husband and I moved here from Buffalo, NY in 2011. She was at the door with a petition to sign against gambling at the race track. The United Methodist Church has a policy against gambling because of the harm it causes to people who are addicted. Families lives are forever impacted. From then on, our lives intersected in many areas of social justice in Church Women United and United Women of Faith. She was deeply committed to issues concerning vulnerable children and women. Kids Above All was one of her favorite charities.
Unlike most of us, she loved being on nominating committees! She he found purpose in involving people whose talents might be matched to positions that needed to be filled. She was very persuasive! I was one of those people.
As her health declined, she accepted it with grace and loved visits from friends and family.
She was a woman who truly lived our her Christian faith.
Joyce Bieritz
October 4, 2025
Nancy was an exceptional woman of faith. She had unending energy and dedication to causes she found important. I loved her commitment to those in need and causes that really mattered. God bless her soul.
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