Nancy J. Guingrich

Nancy Jo (Burgess) Guingrich, 84, of Peoria passed away at 2:56 a.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.

Born in Princeville on September 25, 1939, the daughter of the late Paul M. and Marcia S. (Steinman) Burgess, she married Dr. Richard D. Guingrich on May 11, 1962, in Peoria. He preceded her in death on July 8, 2008.

She is survived by four sons, Richard M. (Jessica) Guingrich of Peoria, Anthony Shaun (Wendy) Guingrich of Peoria, Adam J. Guingrich (with whom Nancy made her home) of Peoria and Brendan T. Guingrich of Peoria Heights; a daughter, Larissa R. Guingrich of Peoria Heights; grandchildren, Ashley, Richard A. (Brianna), Chelsea, Maggie, Michael, Aidan, Sam, Alexandra (Zach) Bean, Elizabeth, Miranda (Josh) Forsberg and Ethan; sister-in-law, Evie Schlehuber of Peoria; a brother, Paul R. “Dick” (Ellie) Burgess of Florida; and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her younger brother, Michael “Mike” Burgess.

Nancy graduated from Princeville High School, Class of 1957. She was involved in several clubs and activities, in particular cheerleading. It is in high school where she met the love of her life, Richard D. “Rick” Guingrich. She became his number one cheerleader, always cheering as number “55” would be found at or near the bottom of the pile after the latest football play. Their love for each other produced a wonderful family of children and grandchildren. Mom was a fantastic wife, supporting dad’s education and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery practice at every turn. On several occasions while being a “homemaker,” she helped in his office doing whatever he might need, all of this between having and raising her children. Her children were always the most important part of her life during these years and both of them wanted her to be home as much as possible. It truly made for wonderful, although hectic, life.

She was a fantastic mother, always there for comforting words, taking away the sting of a loss, whether it be a game or a love. Helping with homework and attending all the games and meetings, never quick to anger and always even handed in her discipline. She was a wonderful teacher and example to emulate. Mom made LEGENDARY potato salad, cherry fluff and orange fluff, and she was a great cook and her chili soup (always a Halloween staple, first batch of chili was always October 31st…never sooner) was good too! Mom always loved family get togethers and especially enjoyed the company of Jeannine Alameda (Rich’s mother-in-law) as stories and good times were exchanged. Mom’s quick wit and keen sense of humor were priceless. Once you had the privilege to get to know mom, you were guaranteed to love her, there would be no turning back. Her children loved her to death, as she loved us. Her love for us is her legacy.

Grandma Nancy, or as called on occasion “Grandma Apple,” LOVED her grandchildren. Not one grandchild has ever done anything wrong in the eyes of this grandma. She always had a sweet smile and empathetic listening ear with a contagious laugh. Always there to hug her grandbabies and loved sugaring them up and sending them home! She had a “cookie drawer” that was bottomless and a Starburst drawer that was apparently magical. However, there was at least once occasion where grandpa Richard turned on the oven and after a period of time smoke began to bellow since grandma hid some treats (most likely from her “grown” kids or more likely grandpa himself!) Sometimes things just happen. Grandma loved animals of all types from bunnies to dogs. The dogs could sense that they were competing with the grandkids, but there was never a problem since grandma always had more than enough love for all.

Nancy had a strong faith and a heart of gold that gave everything until the very end. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy, a life well lived and well loved. She will be missed by all.

On behalf of Mom, we would like to thank every physician, nurse, assistant, therapist, clerical staff and pastoral care person that she encountered, especially during these past three-plus years. All of these mentioned folks far too numerous to name individually, but none forgotten, gave our mother an encounter at every turn and every appointment that was filled with compassion and love; she noticed it and the rest of her family noted it as well. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Her funeral service will be at 7 p.m. Monday, April 22, 2024, at Haskell Funeral and Cremation Services in Princeville. Pastor David Pyell will officiate. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Monday from 5 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois or OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute. Condolences for Nancy’s family may be left on her tribute wall at www.haskellfuneral.com.