Nancy Ellen Gembala

Nancy Ellen Gembala, 79, Rensselaer, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, with her family by her side.

Born on Nov. 2, 1943, to Noble and Bessie (Popp) Flinn, Nancy was a lifelong resident of Rensselaer. On June 4, 1966, Nancy married her loving husband Matthew Gembala Jr., who preceded her in death on Feb. 1, 2006.

A 1962 graduate of Rensselaer Central High School, she attended Methodist Hospital School of Nursing and earned a Registered Nursing degree in 1965. Nancy worked at the former Jasper County Hospital on the third floor for many years until she was appointed director of the newly formed Home Health Care and Hospice Department in 1985. She truly believed in the need for home health care and hospice services. This passion led her to earn her BS in Nursing from St. Joseph's College in 1990. After making an ever-lasting impact on many families and the community and earning the respect of her employees, Nancy retired after 35 years as Director in 2012 and continued as a Hospice and SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) volunteer for many years.

Nancy also loved puzzles, playing games (but could never win at chess), traveling and reading. She treasured time with her many friends.

Nancy loved her children dearly: Deborah Gembala, Rensselaer, Joseph Gembala, Rensselaer, Christine (Matthew) Louck, Brownsburg, and Andrew Gembala, Rensselaer. She would light up when visiting with her grandchildren, Hollison Gembala, Shelby Gembala and Nathan Louck and great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Steele and Aliyah Steele. Known as "G" to her grandkids, she would listen, without judgment, to anything they might share. Nancy is also survived by her sister, Sharon (Phil) Lewis, Rensselaer.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Matthew; and brothers, David Flinn and John Flinn.

Friends may call at Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer on Tuesday, March 21 from 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. CT. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church at 1 p.m. CT with Father Joshua Bennett officiating.

An inurnment will take place following the Mass at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Rensselaer.

Memorial contributions in Nancy name may be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church.

To share memories and/or condolences with the family, please visit www.jacksonfuneral.com