Nancy Ranucci Obituary
March 24, 1948 - November 15, 2025
Nancy was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan in the house built by her great grandfather. She attended Osborn High School, where she played cello, swam, and was treasurer for the 1966 Senior Class. Nancy worked in reservations for United Airlines before heading to Chicago for training that launched her 44-year career as a flight attendant traveling the world.
Nancy married Tony Ranucci in June 1970. From Chicago, the pair moved to Oahu. After several joyful years of living and working in Hawaii, and the birth of their children Marcus in 1981 and Nicolas in 1983, Nancy and Tony returned to make their home in Oak Park, Illinois.
Lifetime Achievements:
Creative Cub Scout den mother
Playful organizer of block parties and talent shows on the 1150 block of S. Wenonah Ave in Oak Park
Whimsical party game coordinator for all family & friends gatherings
Fanatic little league parent supporter
Two-time Chicago Marathon runner
Courageous leader of a harrowing flight on September 11, 2001 from Frankfurt, Germany to Chicago that safely landed in Montreal, Canada.
Gardener extraordinaire with a green thumb for ALL kinds of interesting plants
Steadfast volunteer with Clipped Wings, a non profit service organization for retired United flight attendants, enthusiastically working on the upcoming 2026 Special Olympics
Fierce and compassionate medical advocate for her loved ones
Proud and much loved and loving Grandmother, every minute of every day, in her heart
Fun, Feisty and Generous friend
Second Act: Nancy recently excelled in classes for Standup comedy at Comedy plex; finishing off with a flourish at the Comedy Showcase in October.
Nancy is preceded in death by her husband Tony Ranucci; parents Gordon & Betty Jane Mayer (née Crossman), brothers Skip and Tom Mayer.
Nancy is survived by her beloved sons Marcus (Blaire) Ranucci & Nicolas (Elizabeth) Ranucci and by her loving grandkids, Adela, Dominic, Nora and Vinny Ranucci. She is also survived by her sister Lori (John) Podsiadlik and her nieces and nephew, Maria Reeze, Deborah (Donato) LaGioia, Lindsay and JJ Podsiadlik; and by many friends and neighbors who will miss her dearly.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to support the United Clipped Wings Special Olympics at https://unitedclippedwingsinc.org/philanthropy-2/
A Celebration of Nancy will be held on December 1st, 2025. Fitzgerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn, IL 60402. Drop in anytime between 5PM and 9PM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Karen Capers
December 1, 2025
I was so sorry to hear about Nancy passing away.. My Deepest Heartfelt Sympathy to her friends and family.. My Deepest Sympathy to her United family as well. She will be missed.
I flew with her on 9/11. Tremendous leader that day. She was kind and professional.. and so strong.
Wish I could make the service today.. Karen Capers
Becky Liss
November 26, 2025
Nancy was the most selfless, kind, generous, creative and loving person I have ever met. She's been a wonderful role model and steadfast friend to many. Nancy was deeply loved and admired and will definitely be missed.
Sally and Tris Clark UAL retired flight attendants
November 21, 2025
Flight attendants Sally and Tris Clark really enjoyed flying with Nancy. She was a lot of fun.
Andrea George
November 20, 2025
I have so many great memories of flying with Nancy. So many laughs! And she was a fabulous purser. She was a truly wonderful person in every way. She´ll be missed.
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dee
November 20, 2025
I was lucky to meet Nancy at the Maze Branch Library when our children were pre-school aged . Her calm and easy nature was immediately noted. Her children and mine were the same ages and so over the years were in all the same grades and schools with each other. Nancy became the scout leader for a lucky group of boys, my son included. The boys learned a good deal about what it is to be a good citizen from Nancy. They earned their badges through good deeds and fun activities.
Nancy's smile is a light we all will keep in our hearts.
Cindy Vanderheiden
November 19, 2025
I loved flying with Nancy, always fun but always professional. My husband was her supervisor for many years and we are both very sad to learn of her passing.
I am from the Detroit area too, so we always had great conversations about that.
She sure loved her sons, she talked about you both a lot, always with much love.
Our condolences to the family.
Cindy and Chuck Vanderheiden
:K.K." Kirchhoff
November 18, 2025
I was honored to know Nancy as a fellow flt attendant for United Airlines. She was always so positive & happy & a joy to work with. Her untimely demise is quite a shock & all of us have lost a beautiful woman too early.May she rest in peace. Love, KK
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1857 N. Harlem Ave., Elmwood Park, IL 60707
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