Nancy Jean McChesney

Nancy Jean McChesney was born Nancy Jean Gross October 19, 1933, and grew up in sunny, beautiful Winter Garden, Florida. Raised by her beloved Granddaddy Reams and Grandmother Hattie, Nancy enjoyed her early years with friends among the orange orchards and palm trees. A few days before her passing on April 13, 2022, she was picturing herself as a young girl walking down Main St. in Wintergarden in front of her grandfather's house. That memory comforted her heart. For her high school, Nancy chose Hampden Dubose Academy, a Christian boarding school in Zellwood, Florida. She kept busy with her daily prayers, classes and work on campus. She was class secretary her junior year. She never forgot the power of prayer and prayed for her family and requested prayer during difficult times. Next came nursing school in New Orleans. Nancy enjoyed her classes but left before completing her degree. She loved New Orleans, reminiscing about sitting at the Court of Two Sisters in the French Quarter eating beignets with friends. Years later she would use her nurses training working in the premie (neonatal) ward at a local hospital. Moving back to Florida from New Orleans, Nancy met and married her first husband and the loving father of her children, Air Force Staff Sgt, Victor Durchholz in 1955 and moved to Gridley, Illinois and then to Farmington. They had an active social life with teachers and coaches and threw some great parties. Nancy enjoyed shopping and beautiful clothing and decorating. She has always loved and cared deeply for her kids and often said she always wanted a bunch of children. She was told because of a childhood illness she would have a difficult time conceiving. Their daughter, Melinda was born ten months after their wedding. Sixteen months later, their son Kurt came into the world, followed four years later by Bradley Reames. Sweet Amy was born six years after Brad. Life held many challenges, but Nancy always stayed involved in her children's lives even as they moved all over the country. She worked hard at the Ramada Inn in catering and at the Pere Marquette, both in Peoria. Some romances along the way made life interesting. Nancy always enjoyed her annual train ride to Houston where she stayed at her son Brad's house each summer. The last seven years of her life were spent at Accolade in Peoria where she made friends and teased the nurses and staff. Nancy was very protective of her roommate, Kathleen who could not speak, and watched over her as much as possible. With her daughter Amy, Nancy enjoyed many Red Lobster Sundays that included cocktails and the portable wheelchair. Raiding the nurse's station for pudding or crackers gave her much joy, though it was forbidden. Her nurses Cheri and Angie took wonderful care of Nancy as did Sandy, the wound care nurse. Tina was a care giver and friend who comforted Nancy at the end. Many thanks to Dr. Patel for his expert care regarding Nancy's health. Her family is grateful to the staff of Accolade Healthcare for the compassionate care they provided to her over the last seven years. Her life was filled with laughs and fun with her great roommate, Freddy. Her grandchildren brought her much joy and visited as much as possible by flying in from Texas, California, and Rhode Island. Reggie, Chris, Casey, Tyler, Mary and Laura brought her much joy. Nancy was preceded in death by her son, Kurt and sweet grandson, Tyler. We will miss her dearly. Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.

Nancy Jean McChesney

October 19, 1933 - April 13, 2022