Nancy M. Calhoun

Age 87 and a lifelong resident of Wilmington, passed away Monday, September 9, 2024 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois.

Born July 30, 1937 at home in Wilmington, Nancy Mae was a daughter of Golden and Avia (Mansfield) Howard. She was raised and educated in Wilmington and attended the Wilmington Public Schools. On August 15, 1953, Nancy married Albert Louis Calhoun in Joliet and together they made a home and raised their family.

Nancy made her career with Johnson and Johnson Personal Products, where she dedicated 27 years of loyal service before her retirement. Beyond her professional life, she was a member of St. Rose Church in Wilmington, giving back to her community through her more than 30 years of volunteer work with Kuzma Care Cottage. She was also an active Cub Scout leader during her children’s early years and proudly contributed to the Wilmington VFW Auxiliary through her past membership.

A woman of many talents and passions, Nancy had a unique love for raising rabbits, which she exhibited locally and at the State Fair. Her dedication to this passion spanned over two decades as a member of the rabbit association. A true testament to her spirit, she earned a black belt in Jujitsu and actively competed in tournaments—a remarkable achievement that highlighted her strength and determination.

Nancy will be remembered for her fierce independence, strong will, and unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and community. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include two children: Michael (Donna) Calhoun of Braidwood and Juanita Yeates (Jose Manuel Duran) of Wilmington; grandchildren: Pam (Bill) Raber of Columbia, South Carolina, Katherine (Brandon) Johnson of Peoria, Illinois, Samantha (Nicholas) Montgomery of Mesa, Arizona, Theresa Yeates of Kankakee, Illinois, Rhonda (Don) Thomas of Seymour, Tennessee, Patrick Jr. (Ashley) Calhoun of Toledo, Illinois, Christina (Phil) Russell of Stewardson, Illinois, Albert Calhoun of Wilmington and Victoria (Steven) Erickson and Katrina Calhoun, both of Dwight, Illinois; (19) great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; one sister, Mary Schmidberger of Dwight and two sisters-in-law: Barb Howard and Donna Howard, both of Wilmington, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; husband Albert in 1982; three sons: Jerry Calhoun, Phillip Calhoun and Patrick Calhoun; four brothers: Wesley (Mary Ellen) Howard, Donald Howard, George Howard and Larry (Daphne) Howard; three sisters: Ethel (Bill) Neese, Martha Lavada (James) Scholey and Sophie (Tony) Surtasky, and brothers and sisters-in-law.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will follow in St. Rose Catholic Church, 604 S. Kankakee Street in Wilmington at 11:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be presided with Rev. Sebastian Gargol presiding.

Inurnment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington where Nancy will be laid to rest with her late husband, Albert.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Nancy’s memory to Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 S. Main Street, Wilmington, IL 60481.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Nancy’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation and memorial services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)