In Memory
Nancy Lou (Working) Young
September 4, 1938 ~ September 13, 2024 86 Years Old
Nancy Lou (Working) Young passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024, at the age of 86, in her hometown of South Bend, Indiana. Born on September 4, 1938, to the late Allen and Esther (Scroggs) Working, Nancy's life was a testament to the zestful spirit and unwavering love she cultivated within her family and community.
She is survived by her loving children: Michelle (Alan) Leichter of South Bend; Steven (Tiffany) Speake of Kansas City, Missouri; and David (Gloria) Nelund of Manhattan Beach, California. Nancy's grandchildren, Stephanie (Jon) Carruthers, Kyle Speake, Elena Speake, David Nelund, B.J. (Annie) Leichter, and Chelsea (Steven) Sanders, her sister Rosemary Davis of South Bend; as well as five great-grandchildren, are left to carry forward her highly spirited influence. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Ryan Goeke and her brother Norman Working, whose memory remained a cherished part of her heart.
Nancy was an enthusiastic promoter of ideas and possibilities. Her imagination, outgoing personality, and determination made her a natural cheerleader for others. It is not surprising that she would start her own business in the 1970’s, becoming a bit of a crusader, blazing trails for herself and others in the Michiana area. She not only operated a successful employment agency in South Bend, but also served in varying roles in her church, and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce in South Bend. She was never idle nor quiet about connecting people, ideas, and effort.
Many of Nancy’s interests revolved around expanding ideas, whether these were her own or those of others. This was a natural extension of her childhood passion for learning through reading. She read everything that caught her eye. Just ask anyone who ever (bogged down, eyes glazing over, in front of an engraved plaque) accompanied her to a museum! Nancy’s endless curiosity and playfulness drew her at the age of 40, into what would become her favorite hobby of roller-skating! Her attitude was contagious, and she would soon be encouraging all of her grandchildren, and many other children, to roller skate too. She couldn’t help but teach others to do things beyond what they thought they could do, whether this was roller-skating or a new job. Her great joy was seeing possibilities come to life. This aspect of her heart was fashioned after her Creator, the true Champion, Redeemer, and Giver of Life.
Nancy was, above all, passionate about her belief in God. Nancy told the story of inviting Jesus into her heart one day as her Aunt Vivian Binney pushed her on the swing. From that tiny seed her faith would never diminish through every celebration or hardship in her life, even if she felt as if she were taking two steps forward, one step back in her own efforts. This faithful devotion was a daily practice, not only as a life-long member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but as the daily personal practice of prayer, reading her Bible, and worshiping God.
Her busy life of passion and devotion became quiet and still since suffering a series of strokes in early 2019. However, we have no idea what really goes on in the mind and spirit of someone who no longer appears as themselves because they cannot communicate or move about as they once did. As is often the case in the final chapters of a life, this is a mystery. What is clear, however, is that her desire to be an inspiration to others will be felt by many for years to come.
A memorial service will be planned for a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to South Bend First Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1936 Altgeld St, South Bend, IN 46614. Palmer Funeral Homes – River Park Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
9/26/2024 djb
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