Obituary of Nancy Mary Rushforth

Nancy Mary Rushforth, 93, of Winthrop Harbor, IL passed away peacefully on June 22, 2017 at Tabor Hills Healthcare, Naperville, IL.  

Nancy was born on July 5,1923 to Harry and Anna (nee: Lalor) Durkee in Hebron, IL.  She attended a one-room grade school in Hebron, IL and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Woodstock, IL.  Nancy continued her education obtaining a degree in elementary education from Northern Teachers State College in DeKalb,IL, now known as Northern Illinois University.  While attending NIU she met her college sweetheart Joseph. Following Joseph’s discharge from his WWII Marine Corps service, Nancy and Joseph were united in marriage on August 24, 1946 at St. Patrick’s Parish in Hartland, IL. Nancy and Joseph were blessed with a family of four daughters and three sons and truly enjoyed their 70 years of marriage.

Nancy’s career in elementary education began with her first teaching assignments in Chicago and West Chicago, IL.   After marriage, she left the work force to care for her growing family.  When the children reached school age, Nancy returned to teaching at Zion Elementary School District 06, in Zion, IL.  She retired in 1980 with 25 years of teaching service. 

Nancy enjoyed traveling, collecting antiques, flower gardening, reading, cooking for family gatherings, playing cards, and spending time with friends and family.  She was blessed with a great memory and never missed a loved one’s birthday or anniversary. She was a devout Catholic and with her husband, Joseph, was a Charter Member of Our Lady of Humility Catholic Church, Beach Park, IL.   

Nancy is survived by her children, Michael (Cynthia) Rushforth of Sarasota, FL; Terriann (Terrence) Barry of Bay Village, OH; Joseph (Kim) Rushforth of Libertyville, IL; Daniel (Karilyn) Rushforth of Winthrop Harbor, IL; Mary (Nicholas) Boryc of Naperville, IL; and Patricia (Bernard) Chamernik of Naperville, IL; thirteen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and her youngest sister, Ann Barnes.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; infant daughter, Kathleen; her parents, Harry and Anna Durkee; sister, Rosary Carden; and brother, Daniel Durkee.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 26, 2017, at Our Lady of Humility Catholic Church in Beach Park, IL at 11:00 am.  Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 10:00 am until the time of Mass.  Interment will be private.   In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Our Lady of Humility Church, Beach Park, IL or to a charity of choice.