Nancy Jane Wilson

Nancy Jane Wilson of Forest Park died on September 10, 2022 after a short illness. Born October 24, 1947 to Clifford and Gwynedd Wilson, she overcame many obstacles. Born premature with cerebral palsy, she was not expected to survive past 13 years. Not walking until she was 4, she wore leg braces as a child and again later in life, using a walker and then wheelchair as she lost mobility as she aged.

Nancy graduated from Austin H. S. in Chicago in January 1966. Nancy started her career as an office clerk at John Plain & Co., a mail order catalog company for retail stores. She then worked 36 years for R. H. Bacon & Co., a media monitoring company for the PR industry, beginning at their clipping service as a media researcher specializing in newspapers. Later she also helped as a special edit clerk as needed. Despite her increased mobility issues, she proudly earned many perfect attendance rewards. She remained at Cision, the rebranded company, until October 2012 when the division was sold and shut down, retiring in 2014.

Proud of her Welsh heritage, Nancy and her mother were active in the local Cambrian society. She also belonged to the BPW (Business and Professional Women) organization, attending conventions and serving in various positions.

Nancy was a fierce protector of her rights as a disabled person, unafraid to speak out when someone gave her grief for moving too slowly. She hated the word “cripple”. She helped others push for an elevator installation at her church. She had recently registered as an organ donor. Through the Eversight organization donation, a blind person may see.

Nancy was a long-time member of St. Martin’s Episcopal church of Austin in Chicago. She remained active even when she could no longer attend services, supporting fundraisers. When Covid-19 forced the congregation to use Zoom, she listened on her flip phone, able to talk to her friends and stay connected. They were her second family where she felt at home. 
Some of her favorite things where: the color purple, anything chocolate but especially Milky Way Midnight bars, Happy Meals, shopping at Ed’s Way grocery and Wal-Mart, Avon, the British royal family especially Diana, brightly colored clothes, and Long Island Ice Tea. She was really looking forward to going to Wal-Mart to buy herself a 75th birthday present.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents, younger brother Bruce, and stepfather John “Bud” Moriarty. She is survived by her stepsister Carol Ann Lopiccalo of Arizona and Kathy Dahl of Mesa, AZ, her “sister of the heart” for 61 years, whose children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren considered her Auntie Nancy.  Carol, a former coworker for 35 years and daily caregiver for the past 3 years will miss her greatly. 
Nancy’s family, friends, and former coworkers grieve at her passing but know she is now free of pain, frustration, and anxiety. She worried about them frequently. The answer to the question is: “Yes, Nancy, we are all OK.”

A memorial service will be held 9:30am, Sunday, October 23, 2022 at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 5700 West Midway Park, Chicago.
 

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