Nancy Mae Punjak

Nancy Mae Punjak

(nee Thurston)

Age 79, of Lockport passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 31, 2026, with her family by her side. Born and raised in Chicago, lived in Tinley Park, lived the winters in Naples, Fl, and a resident of the Lago Vista Community in Lockport for the past 18 years.

Nancy was a dedicated accountant for many years. She was an avid Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed watching golf. Above all else she cherished spending time with her family.

Preceded in death by her beloved granddaughter, Kylie Conklon; stepson, Daniel Punjak; her mother, Roberta (nee Fernwalt) Thurston; her father, Carl Thurston; and one sister, Sandra Satala.

Survived by her devoted husband of 38 years, Tom Punjak; four loving children, Debbie (Thomas) Cernak, Sandy O’Lear, Steven Tuleja, and stepdaughter, Nancy Punjak; five cherished grandchildren, Steven (Katie) Cernak, Brittany (fiancé Koltin Powell) Cernak, Lauren (Wayne) Sliwski, Sara O’Lear, and Michael (Tabitha) O’Lear; five adored great grandchildren, Jace Cernak, Ryker Cernak, Kora Powell, Stetson Sliwski, and Michael O’Lear; brother- in-law, Edward (Susan) Punjak; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The Punjak family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Quinta Tuleh for her exceptional care and love shown over the past five months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Lightways Hospice, Joliet in Nancy's name would be greatly appreciated.

In honor of Nancy’s love for the Chicago Bears, family and friends are encouraged to wear their favorite Bears attire as we come to celebrate Nancy’s life and cherish her memory.

Bear Down💙🧡

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in the O’Neil Funeral Home Chapel 1105 E. 9th St. Lockport, IL 60441 from 9:30am until time of funeral service at 12:30pm. Interment following service at Beverly Cemetery, Blue Island, IL.