Obituary of Nancy K. Mendez

Nancy Kay Mendez, 76, of Zion, IL passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, April 15, 2021. Nancy was born February 10, 1945 in Champaign, IL to Arthur and Edna Blakeway. She attended Lakeview Elementary, Central Jr. High and Zion Benton Township High School, graduating with the class of 1963. She attended NIU and Westmar College. On July 8, 1969, she married the love of her life, Joe Mendez, in Fort Wayne, IN. She was a dedicated Teacher Assistant for 31 years with Beulah Park Elementary. She was a Girl Scout Troop Leader when her girls were young and enjoyed reading in her spare time. She loved all animals, epecially cats. Nancy is survived by her husband of 51 years, Joe; children, Michelle Lynn (Craig) O’Riordan of GA, Melinda Kay (Ronnie) McCabe of Winthrop Harbor, IL, Marcella Jo (Jason Dill) Mendez of Kenosha, WI; grandchildren, Emma Jo, Ciara, Mateo, Kaylin, Caia, Nadia, Siobhan and Jayden; and brother, Herbert Norris (Donna) Blakeway. Her smile lit up a room. She was preceded in death by her parents; maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts and uncles. Visitation will be held at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL 60099, on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., with Funeral Service to follow at 5:30 p.m.