We regret to report the passing of Nancy Benson Nieto. She was diagnosed with cancer in March and passed very quickly this past week. Services were private.
First time I met Nancy was on my first day at Edgewood. She approached me, introduced herself, and welcomed me to the school. Unfortunately I did not know about her wonderful life after high school until her passing.
This is the link to her obituary: https://obituaries.sunsetfuneralhome.com/nancy-benson (courtesy of Illinois Journalism Alumni on Facebook).
I remember Nancy and we had become Facebook friends over these last few years. Reading her obituary makes me regret we didn't have more opportunity to connect. It seems she pursued a fascinating career that inspired many others in a critical field. I take consolation in knowing that that rather quiet and reserved young woman I knew in high school led such a powerful and meaningful life. My condolences to her family and friends.
Thank you, Bruce. I love what you wrote and agree with every word. My condolences to her family and friends. Thanks to you Guy for posting the link to the obituary.
.... Jill Cope Wicke and I wanted to visit Nancy in Champaign once we learned she had begun hospice care on April 6. We knew about the cancer, but were expecting to hear about a treatment plan, not this. Our friendships (including Debby Eyles) go back to pre-school days, and the four of us have stayed close, meeting every year or so in a reunion of memories and friendship. But the disease was moving too fast for a visit... It is hard to articulate what I (we) feel as we contemplate our shared life over the decades. When we would get together, we were just Nancy, Jill, Donna and Debby - the same girls who grew up together in Highland Park. And Nancy will forever be part of us and always loved and celebrated for the unique and irreplaceable person she was. Rest in peace, dear Nancy....
Guy Nakamura
First time I met Nancy was on my first day at Edgewood. She approached me, introduced herself, and welcomed me to the school. Unfortunately I did not know about her wonderful life after high school until her passing.
This is the link to her obituary: https://obituaries.sunsetfuneralhome.com/nancy-benson (courtesy of Illinois Journalism Alumni on Facebook).
Thomas Suber
Thank you, Guy, for posting Nancy's remembrance. Though I knew her only casually at HPHS, I enjoyed reading of her full, impactful life.
Bruce Koff
I remember Nancy and we had become Facebook friends over these last few years. Reading her obituary makes me regret we didn't have more opportunity to connect. It seems she pursued a fascinating career that inspired many others in a critical field. I take consolation in knowing that that rather quiet and reserved young woman I knew in high school led such a powerful and meaningful life. My condolences to her family and friends.
Karen Meldman (Finerman)
Thank you, Bruce. I love what you wrote and agree with every word. My condolences to her family and friends. Thanks to you Guy for posting the link to the obituary.
Donna Gieser (Castele)
.... Jill Cope Wicke and I wanted to visit Nancy in Champaign once we learned she had begun hospice care on April 6. We knew about the cancer, but were expecting to hear about a treatment plan, not this. Our friendships (including Debby Eyles) go back to pre-school days, and the four of us have stayed close, meeting every year or so in a reunion of memories and friendship. But the disease was moving too fast for a visit... It is hard to articulate what I (we) feel as we contemplate our shared life over the decades. When we would get together, we were just Nancy, Jill, Donna and Debby - the same girls who grew up together in Highland Park. And Nancy will forever be part of us and always loved and celebrated for the unique and irreplaceable person she was. Rest in peace, dear Nancy....
