Nancy Miller

On November 1, 2024, the world lost a wonderful person. Nancy Miller, aged 80, died unexpectedly at her home in Woodridge, IL. Nancy was a beloved Mother, Sister, Grandmother and Great Grandmother.

Nancy was born on July 12, 1944, in Norwood, MA the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth Miller. She was raised in Walpole, MA graduating from Walpole High School in 1962 and The University of Maine in 1966. Nancy loved horses and was an accomplished Equestrian as a teenager. Every year she looked forward to the Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown races. The Equestrian events were always her favorite sport during The Olympics.

Nancy moved to the Chicago area in 1969 with her then husband, Charles “Skip” Thayer, and two of her to be three sons, David “Scott” Thayer and Stephen Thayer. Gregory Thayer was born a year later in 1970.

She embraced Chicago as her new home and thoroughly enjoyed everything it had to offer.

Nancy worked for the Sealed Power Corporation in Des Plaines for 25 years, starting out as a Clerk and retiring as The Director of Purchasing.

Nancy, Mom, Gram or Babcia, believed in the value of making memories that would last a lifetime. She made sure to keep herself and her children in touch with the “Fine Family” back East; vacations to Maine, spending time on the beaches of Cape Cod and California; simply playing Scrabble or helping her Grandkids and Great Grandkids practice their driving skills.

One of Nancy’s favorite things was the time she spent volunteering at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Il. She loved learning all about various plant species and trees and walking the beautiful grounds. Nancy also volunteered at The Salvation Army, spending many days during The Holidays ringing The Bell at her local Jewel Osco store. She also helped with Clothing Drives and driving around to various Panera Bread locations to pick up donated bread for the Food Pantry.

Nancy leaves behind many good friends with whom she shared long walks, engaging conversations and good meals together.

She is survived by her sons Scott Thayer (Susan), Steve Thayer (Dawn), daughter in-law Jolanta Strusinka Thayer, brother Charles Miller, sister Margie Gill, grandchildren Jessica Beckard, Bonnie Shafer, Amanda Thayer, Shannon Thayer, Maja Strusinska Thayer as well as five great grandchildren, Gabriel, Audrey, Grace, Gretta and Claire.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Betty as well as her son Gregory.

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