Dec.
21, 1927 - Jan. 28, 2010SOUTH BEND - Nancy Lou McCracken, 82, of South Bend, IN, passed away in the Healthwin Specialized Care Facility following a stay at Hospice House on January 28, 2010. Her death was a peaceful end to a long, difficult battle with cancer. Nancy Lou was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on December 21, 1927, the daughter of Martha and Roy Vestal. In Youngstown, on June 7, 1947, she married Wendell J. McCracken, who survives along with a daughter, Cathy S. (William) Alwine of South Bend, and a son, Robert W. (Diane) McCracken of St. Charles, IL. A son, Gary A., has waited for her in heaven since March 19, 2002. Mom's life was greatly enriched by her four brothers, of whom she loved to tell stories full of warmth and humor. Roy and Bob are deceased, but Tom and Ted (Janet) Vestal, both of Youngstown, remained close to her heart, even as her life was ending. Besides her children, Mom leaves six grandchildren who will cherish many happy memories of her, Erik Jon (Tonya) McDonel of Marian, NC, Lori Ann (Bryan) Seaton of Des Moines, Iowa, Patrick Erin McDonel of Edinburgh, Scotland, Molly Diane McCracken of St. Charles, IL, and Anna Leigh and Kristi Lynn McCracken of South Bend. During her life she welcomed two step-grandchildren into the family, Christopher Paul (Sarah) Alwine of South Bend and Julianna Marie Reynolds of North Liberty. Mom loved time spent with her six great-grandchildren, Nathan Sheil of Des Moines, Iowa, Colin McDonel of Edinburgh, Scotland, Sam and Christopher Reynolds of North Liberty, Faith and Carter Alwine of South Bend. Mom enjoyed being with her friends and participated in a variety of activities. As a young mother she was active in the Edison School PTA and served as a den mother for the Boy Scouts as well as an Indian Guide leader ("pals forever," Mom). Playing bridge and dancing with Dad in the former Married Folks Dance Club (now the 100 Club) were some of her favorite pastimes. Mom served the community as a member of the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, a Reach to Recovery Volunteer with the American Cancer Society , president and longtime member of the Theta Gamma Chapter of the Psi Iota Xi philanthropic sorority (which was instrumental in the development of Midwest Assistance Dogs), the Elks Club Auxiliary, and Paws to Listen. She served her God as a member of Sunnyside Presbyterian Church where she was ordained as a Deacon, sang in the Chancel Choir, led the Sr. High Youth Group, was a member of the Tabitha Circle, and sat on numerous committees. She worked as a teller at the River Park branch of 1st Source Bank and in the Office of the Bursar at Indiana University-South Bend. Realizing her dream of living near the water, Mom loved being at the cottage in Paw Paw, where the family gathered during the summers. Days were spent swimming, fishing, eating, and boating at the "healing place" for 25 years, creating memories that will remain precious to all of us for the rest of our lives. We wish to thank her K.A.R.E. caregivers Steve, Kaleigh, Tom, Megan, Debra, Amanda, KC, Marti, Danielle, and the staff of Hospice and Healthwin for the kind, patient, tender care they gave our Mom. Special thanks to Betsy Lattanner and Dr. Jon Kubley for the blessing of their compassion. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, February 2, 2010, in Sunnyside Presbyterian Church, 115 S. Frances Street, South Bend, IN 46617. Rev. James Miller will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 - 7:00 PM Monday in Sunnyside Presbyterian Church and one hour prior to services on Tuesday. Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, South Bend, is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mom's memory to Sunnyside Presbyterian Church; Reins of Life's Mini-Horse Visitation Program, 55200 Quince Road, South Bend, IN 46619; the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637; or to the American Cancer Society , 601 W. Edison Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalms 4:8