Nora E. Leman

Nora "Nicky" Eileen Leman, 102, of West Peoria, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

She was born to Robert and Sheila (O'Donnell) Nicolai in Coventry, England, on October 6, 1923. She and her family arrived at Ellis Island in November of 1926 and settled in Harvey, IL, before moving to Midlothian, IL. On April 26, 1948, she married Ivan R. Leman in Harvey, Illinois. He preceded her in death on July 30, 1996.

Also preceding her in death was her brother, Robert O. Nicolai.

Surviving are her daughter, Sandra (Doug) Schepke of Peoria, IL; grandchildren: Robert Moore of Peoria, IL, and Thomas (Elizabeth) Moore of Glendale, WI; great-grandchildren: Jacqueline Moore of Glendale, WI, Sean Moore of Chicago, IL, Brendan (Ele) Moore of Pekin, IL, and Maggie Moore of Peoria, IL; sister-in-law, Carolee Unsicker or Eureka, IL; and brother-in law, Roy (Wanda) Leman of Eureka, IL.

Nora became a U.S. citizen at the age of 17. She graduated from Thornton Township High School in June 1941. Nora later graduated from the Roseland Community Hospital School for Nurses in February 1945 and went on to serve as a nurse in the United States Army. Following her service, she worked for many years as an RN at a physician's office

Nora attended the Apostolic Christian Church of Peoria. She was a proud member of the American Legion Post #2 and VFW Post #814. She also belonged to the River City Doll Club and spent several years volunteering at the Glen Oak Zoo (now Peoria Zoo) and with the Red Cross blood mobiles.

She enjoyed doll collecting, sewing, knitting, and reading – particularly British and Irish history and literature.

Nora will be laid to rest next to her husband at Resurrection Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Apostolic Christian Church of Peoria or the West Peoria Fire Department.