Marianna Jean "Nan" Stickley

Marianna Jean "Nan" Stickley, 88, passed away July 10, 2025, peacefully in her sleep. She was born on August 5, 1936. A visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, July 17, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel Stateroom. Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 18, at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon, Illinois. Nan is survived by her husband of 68 years, Dr. Jim Stickley; her sister, Karen (Carl) Neussle of New York; and many nieces, nephews, and their families. Nan's life was rich with remarkable stories and meaningful relationships. Her father was a close friend of Ronald Reagan, who was present at the hospital when Nan was born and later became her godfather. She grew up on the Reynoldswood Estate in Dixon. The bronze statue of President Reagan in Dixon features Nan's own horse, April. A 1954 graduate of Dixon High School, Nan went on to attend McMurray and Coe Colleges, where she met her beloved Jim. They were married in 1956. She was instrumental in saving the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids, from being demolished and turned into a parking lot by securing its place on the Historical Registry. The theater hadn't been used for years, and the owner wasn't happy, but later said it was good for the community. Nan also helped establish the flower shops at Mercy Hospital, where she volunteered extensively and formed a close friendship with Sister Mary Lawrence. Her interests were wide-ranging. She and Jim spent 31 years touring with the Silver Ghost Association, enjoying classic car events around the country. She also loved golf, tennis, gardening, playing bridge, and decorating for the holidays, often putting up five Christmas trees. Nan grew up with German Shepherds and raised four more with Jim after they married. Nan was a gracious and generous hostess to visiting pianists performing with Orchestra Iowa, often opening her home and piano to those needing a quiet place to rehearse when Coe's St. Clair Auditorium was in use. One such pianist famously requested a martini at 3 p.m. and enjoyed exchanging local gossip, jokingly calling Cedar Rapids a "little Peyton Place." Many of these artists returned, charmed by Nan's warmth and hospitality. Having a large collection of Lalique, she once traveled to Chicago to meet with Rene Lalique of France and his daughter, Marie-Claude. Rene died the next day. Nan's laughter and quick wit will be deeply missed by those who have survived her. Memorial donations may be directed to Orchestra Iowa. Online condolences may be made to the Nan's family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.