Nancy M. Szul

(nee Shannon)

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a few days after spending an evening with her three children, their significant others and her grandson, just as she would have wanted one of her last days.

Although she is no longer physically with us, she will live on in our hearts forever and in the many works of art she leaves behind, including her beautiful drawings and hundreds of crocheted pieces.

Nancy had an adventurous spirit. She enjoyed nature, traveling, live music and especially dancing (like no one was watching).

One of her favorite traditions was gathering her children for holidays, such as Christmas theater shows downtown or a winter trip to starved rock. Gift giving was one of her love languages, often wrapping gifts in boxes within boxes to add to the fun.

Nancy was incredibly devoted to her "favorite person in the whole world," her grandson Christian. She treasured their weekly visits and entertained him for hours on end with her creativity and playfulness. Nancy was the epitome of "forever young."

Born and raised in Chicago; living in Blue Island and resident of Lockport since 2006.

Preceded in death by her parents, James Jr. and Margaret (Donohue) Shannon; siblings, James Shannon and Joelle Beukema; paternal grandparents, James Sr. and Jeanette Shannon; maternal grandparents, Thomas and Margaret Donohue.

Survived by her loving children, Joseph (Nicole) Szul, Rachel O'Neill and Richard (fiancé Alana Dunne) Kearns; one beyond cherished grandson, Christian Szul; siblings, Patricia (late Frank) Coci, Terry (Gerald) Murphy, Thomas Shannon and Peggy Shannon; sister-in-law, Shannon Murphy-Shannon; many nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Per Nancy's wishes cremation rites have been respectfully addressed.

Memorial visitation will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, in the O'Neil Funeral Home chapel 1105 E. 9th St. Lockport, IL 60441 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm.

www.oneilfuneralhome.com