Nancy Joan Ellman, 91, of Springfield, MO, peacefully passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023, with her beloved family and devoted caregivers at her side.

Born on March 30, 1932, Nancy grew up in an Irish-American family in Chicago, attending Catholic schools and enjoying the company of many close friends. She married her high school sweetheart, Ed, in 1953, and together they built a life centered on love, faith, and family. For over 60 years, she was involved in various ministries at the parishes to which she belonged, most notably the Cursillo and Happening retreats at St. Matthew's in Glendale Heights, IL, and Immaculate Conception in Springfield, MO.

Reading, gardening, and baking were among Nancy's favorite pastimes, but more than anything else, she cherished the time she spent with loved ones. She dedicated her whole life to loving others — her family and friends, her community, those in need, and many canine companions.

She had a generous heart, loved all babies, and — even in her final weeks of life — entertained everyone with her quick wit and contagious laughter. She was a woman of quiet strength, profound wisdom, and unyielding faith.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Edward V. Ellman; her parents, Hilton and Kathryn Woodworth; and two brothers, William and Robert Woodworth. She is survived by her six children — Mark (Nadine) Ellman, Joanne (Ralph Jr.) Duda, Caryl (Jim) Tracy, Barbara (Mark) Pasquale, Marty (Lisa) Ellman, and Tracy (Dianne) Ellman — along with her 19 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

A visitation service will take place at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, on Thursday, June 15, from 6:00–8:00 PM. Nancy's Funeral Mass will be at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Springfield, on Friday, June 16, at 10:00 AM. A private burial will follow.

The Mass will be live streamed from the Immaculate Conception Parish Facebook page.