ESMOND — Nancy (Crouch) Heal, of Esmond, died peacefully at NW Medicine - Kishwaukee Hospital at the age of 68 after a long illness beginning and ending with battles against COVID-19.  The family is forever grateful for the doctors, nurses, and medical staff in their efforts and care for Nancy alongside the support given by family and friends.

Nancy was born on Sept. 16, 1952 in DeKalb to William (Bill) and Lillian (Bloomquist) Crouch. She earned an associate’s degree from Kishwaukee Community College in 1972on the day she married Ronald (Ron) Heal, whom she met on a blind date. Over the first nine years of their marriage they welcomed two children into their family, Randy and Stephanie.  Her children remember her as loving, kind, and driven who encouraged them to pursue their life goals.  After being a stay-at-home mom, Nancy worked in the banking industry for 22 years starting as a bank teller and working her way up to director of human resources.

Nancy had a smile that would light up the room, had the best laugh, and made all that met her feel welcome and a part of the family. She was an avid reader and pet lover who enjoyed flower gardening and creating art. She loved her life on the farm and was proud to be a farmer’s wife.  Nancy was an active and dedicated member of Altrusa International and enjoyed organizing the yearly Spelling Bee.

Nancy is survived by her father, Bill Crouch of Sycamore, her husband Ron Heal of Esmond, children Randy Heal (David Westbrooks) of Birmingham, Alabama and Stephanie Heal of Raleigh, North Carolina, and brother Larry (Star) Crouch of Genoa. She is preceded in death by her mother, Lillian Crouch.

A small private memorial service for invited immediate family is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 19 at 2 p.m.  The family invites extended family and friends to join the memorial service virtually. Please see the Anderson Funeral Home website for virtual link.  A celebration of Nancy’s life and burial of her ashes at Greenview Cemetery in Esmond will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Altrusa DeKalb County, Esmond United Methodist Church, or Greenview Cemetery Association, addressed to the Heal Family in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 S. 4th St., DeKalb, IL 60115.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.