Nancy Joan Fecht

1955 - 2025

Nancy Joan Fecht
Born: June 5, 1955
Died: February 18, 2025
CHICKAMAUGA, GA – Nancy Joan Fecht, 69, passed away peacefully at home on February 18, 2025, with her beloved family by her side. She bravely battled adenoid cystic carcinoma of the maxillary sinuses, a rare and aggressive cancer, for over 2 years as it spread throughout her body.
Nancy was born on June 5, 1955, in Sterling, Illinois, to Dorothy and James Devine. She attended Newman Central Catholic High School, where she was known for her warm and friendly nature and her time as a spirited cheerleader.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Nancy married the love of her life, Mike Fecht Sr., with whom she shared fifty-one wonderful years. Together, they raised two children, Mike Fecht Jr. (Barbara) and Shannon Marie (Fecht) Sartin (Shea), and cherished their grandchildren: Hunter, Nicholas, Sophia, and Samuel.
Sterling, Illinois (1973-1987)
Nancy was a pillar of her community and a dedicated volunteer at St. Mary's School. She served as a school librarian, nurse, and concession stand leader, all while teaching fitness classes at the YWCA.
She embraced her role as a wife, mother, sister, and aunt, carrying those responsibilities in her loving heart. She adored her family and extended family, always treasuring time with her nieces and nephews. As the built-in babysitter, she loved being surrounded by children and family gatherings, where her warmth and laughter filled the room.
Nancy's passion for landscaping shone through as she volunteered to beautify the new chapel at St. Mary's Church. Her work helped the church earn the Business Lawn of the Year Award. She was widely recognized for her talents, receiving Sterling's "Lawn of the Year" award as well as multiple "Lawn of the Month" honors.
Chattanooga, Tennessee (1987-2025)
Her love of nature and creativity led her to establish and run Unique Landscaping in Chattanooga. Though she never advertised her business, Nancy's work spoke for itself, keeping her busy full-time while also managing a household of four.
Nancy's faith in Christ was evident in the way she lived her life. She continually grew in her knowledge of His teachings and truly walked the talk – living with kindness, grace, and love. There was never a better wife, mother, or friend. She was the most forgiving and compassionate person, always placing others before herself.
Nancy had a very special relationship with her sisters. Her death will not break the circle of love and faith that hold the five Devine girls together, yesterday, today, and forever until eternity. The bond will never be broken - Mary Jane Moyer, Kathy Ann Daily, Sally Louise Clark, Nancy Joan Fecht, and Amy Marie Devine
She is survived by her loving husband, Mike Sr.; her children, Mike Jr. (Barbara) and Shannon (Shea); her grandchildren, Hunter, Nicholas, Sophia, and Samuel; and her sisters, Mary Jane, Kathy, Sally, and Amy. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Dorothy and James and in-laws, Robert and Mary Fecht.
A funeral service will be held on March 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Andrew's Church in Rock Falls, Illinois. Cremation rites have been accorded.
Nancy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her legacy of kindness, dedication, and love will live on in the many lives she touched.