Nancy Fechalos

Nancy Biel Fechalos passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025 in Naperville, Illinois. Born in Chicago to John and Susan (nee Nemcek) Biel and raised in Whiting, IN, Nancy was one of four children and remained especially close to her sister, Carole Biel (Harley) Mullins, throughout the years. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Jack (Lucy) Biel and Don (Kay) Biel.
Nancy married the love of her life, William Fechalos, and together they built a family defined by warmth, laughter, and unwavering support. She is survived by William and her two sons, Jeff (Betsy) Fechalos and Dan (Aubrey) Fechalos, who will forever carry her kindness and positivity forward. Nancy was a proud and devoted grandmother to Caitlyn Graff (partner Dan Carey), Kyleigh, Cameron, Nathan, and Zoe Fechalos, and great-grandmother to Zeland and Vander Carey, all of whom brought tremendous joy to her life.
Nancy worked for many years with Colonial Catering and Gapers Catering as Catering Manager and later Kitchens to Go in Naperville as Marketing Manager, where her enthusiasm, friendliness and talent made her a favorite among colleagues and clients alike. But it was beyond her work life where Nancy's impact truly shined. She was the type of person who could walk into a room full of strangers and walk out having made a room full of new friends. Her genuine happiness and positive outlook made everyone around her feel welcomed and valued.
Nancy was very generous with her time and spirit, and as such was deeply involved in every community that she belonged to. When her children were young, she lovingly dressed as the Easter Bunny each year to delight the neighborhood kids during the annual Easter egg hunt. She played an active role in the Naperville Home and School organization -eventually serving as President at the Steeple Run School -and later went on to serve on the Naperville Carillon Commission. In her neighborhood, she was the heart behind many social gatherings, bringing people together with her warmth and charisma. Nancy also volunteered at a shelter for women and children, supported women on various Crisis Phone Lines and later at a hospice facility sitting with patients and comforting families at a difficult time.
A celebration of Nancy's life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Hotel Indigo (120 Water Street, Naperville, IL) in the River Room from 2:00 – 6:00pm. The event will be casual and open to all who knew her or were touched by her kindness. Please stop by for a drink and an appetizer and share a story or two.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to any charity devoted to helping children such as Ronald McDonald House or St Jude Children's Hospital.
Nancy's legacy is one of love, connection, and the simple but profound gift of making others feel seen and appreciated. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.