Nancy Jane Machura (nee McNichols), 85, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, at Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville, Illinois.
Nancy was born on November 27, 1940, in Chicago, the daughter of Charles Grover and Florence (Egan) McNichols. She married Thomas J. Machura in 1970 in Chicago, Illinois. He preceded her in death on June 12, 2009. Their beloved daughter, Ann Florence, preceded them in death at the age of ten in 1983. Ann was the light of Nancy’s life, and a reunion with her has been a long time coming. She was a second mother to her goddaughter, Michelle Marlin, of Wyncote, Pennsylvania and will be dearly missed.
Nancy was a graduate of Loyola University in Chicago. She worked at the Chicago Historical Society and as a legal librarian for several Chicago law firms over the course of her career. Nancy was an avid reader who enjoyed traveling and dearly loved her cats. She was passionate about her beloved sports teams – Notre Dame football, the Chicago Bears and most importantly the Chicago Cubs! She was fortunate to see the Cubs win the World Series in her lifetime.
Nancy requested her life to be summed up in the words of author, Sue Henry ~ Please know that I’ve had a fine life filled with more than my share of warm memories – all of the things that count the most – of friends and family. It’s been a great adventure!
You can best honor Nancy by adopting a cat from your local shelter.
As Nancy requested, cremation will be accorded. An intimate memorial will be held and ashes scattered in Sturgeon Point, Ontario, Canada. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
