Nancy Jean (Siegmeier) Huggins

On November 13th, 2023 Nancy passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones and all of her comforts (chocolate, coffee, and fudge included). Born in Chicago, IL to Everett (Granddaddy) and Margaret Ann (Muzzie) Siegmeier, she spent most of her youth in Palatine, IL. Throughout her 82 years of life she was a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, a proud dog mom and advocate, a small business owner, a cookbook author and publisher, and an overall feisty, passionate, independent woman.

Nancy was a creator, an artist, and she was tough as nails. She knew exactly what she wanted and you could not change her mind once it was made up. When doctors told her she wouldn’t live more than a month, she lived a month and one day. Nancy was stubborn. She had a quick wit, and while it could sometimes sting, she was always honest about where you stood.

She loved all animals, and enjoyed having many different pets from goats to chickens to cats and dogs (especially her labs) and even had brief stints with pigs.

She was a master gardener with endless tips and tricks (newspaper as ground cover and epsom salts as fertilizer) She loved her red roses, her lilacs and her hostas. Tomatoes and squash in the summer and a row of sunflowers along the fence.

She was crafty down to her core - from homemade clothing to wedding cakes and photo albums, Nancy could make just about anything. “Can’t you picture it in your head?” she would ask. She had a gift for creativity and persistence and she passed those gifts on to much of her family. She was especially proud of her homemade Halloween costumes that won consecutive costume contests.

A bit of a rolling stone and not unlike a Hank Snow song, Nancy has been everywhere: Palatine IL to Texas to Wisconsin and back to Illinois with a few brief stops in Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Washington and Florida. Nancy was not one for staying put.

She loved to surround herself with things that made her feel special, she would fill her walls with things that her children either made for her or gave to her for a gift. She also loved trains, collecting stamps, watching America’s Got Talent or any movie about Christmas or a dog.

Some of her favorite celebrities were James Garner, Perry Mason, Magnum PI, Rod Stuart, Buffy Saint Marie and Charley Pride, especially Charlie Pride! One week before her passing she received a new Charley Pride t-shirt and asked to be changed into it immediately.

Besides crafts and animals, Nancy had a passion for many things. Most of all she lovedChristmas. The Christmas tree was her favorite tree and every day of the year that wasn’t Christmas day was one more day in preparation for Christmas Day In her final weeks she requested four (yes FOUR) shopping trips, primarily so she could buy Christmas gifts for her family and loved ones. We are all grateful that she was able to have one last family Christmas, surrounded by loved ones, before she took her final breath.

One of her favorite photos was one of herself, holding a large northern Pike she caught while camping in 2020. She talked a lot during her time in hospice about that being her favorite memory and the place she was most excited to return to someday.

Nancy is survived by her husband Billy, her ten children; Rika (Brian), Daniel (Brenda), Ronald (Patty), James (Jean), Troy (Rachel), Tyrone (Rebecca), Mark (Kelly), Lonnie, Scott and Nellie, twenty four grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren, as well as an incredibly large community of extended family and beloved friends (Sisters Peggy and Susie, Brother John, close special friends Sarah, Karol, JoAnn) and her beloved dogs Calli and Magger.

In her 82 years of life, she created a community of people who came together at her side when she needed them the most, despite miles and past transgressions. She may not have always been easy to reason with, but what she created is exceptional and will live on forever.

Until we meet again, our nanny goat. We will recall the sound of your sewing machine running late at night, your 6 minute fudge, empty pudding bowls and your unconditional love. We promise to add epsom salt to our garden beds in the spring and to continue to love one another despite our differences.

Services for Nancy will be held on Monday November 27th, 2023 in the main chapel of Derrick Funeral home at 12:00pm.  Visitation will be held from 10:00am till the time of service.

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Derrick Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Nancy's family.

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