Nancy Jean Flake

Nancy Jean, nee Relyea, Flake, 58, of Smithton, IL born August 29, 1954 in Joliet, IL passed away peacefully on December 3, 2012 at home surrounded by her loving family.  A fighter with a never give up attitude, was a victim to colon cancer.  She was a graduate of Joliet Central High School and attended Western Illinois University where she met her husband.  She was a longtime employee of HCA Insurance, a family-owned business located in Joliet, IL.  Nancy’s legacy was that she was first and foremost a mother with her family always being her absolute priority.

She was preceded in death by her:

  • Parents: George and Marilyn Relyea
  • Mother-in-law: Kathleen Flake
  • Brother-in-law Jim Flake

Surviving are her:

  • Loving husband of 33 years: Bob Flake
  • 3 sons
    • Robert (Angela) Flake
    • Patrick Flake
    • Christopher (Jessica) Flake
  • Daughter: Jeanette (fiancée Jeremy) Flake
  • Grandson: Bobby Flake
  • 5 sisters
    • Terri (Peter) Froelinger
    • Maureen (George) Marconi
    • Diane Matichak
    • Beverly (Paul) Gabriel
    • Patti (Tom) Flanagan
  • 4 brothers
    • Tom (Yolanda) Relyea
    • Rick Relyea
    • Jim (Tammy) Relyea
    • George (Laura) Relyea
  • Father-in-law: Robert Flake and his good friend Doris
  • Brother-in-law Michael (Sandy) Flake
  • Numerous nieces and nephews 

The family would like to express their gratitude, respect and special thanks to home care nurse - Barb Esker.   Barb was more than a nurse . . . she became Nancy’s dear friend.

Memorials: Memorials are appreciated and should be sent to the American Cancer Society.

Visitation:  Friends are invited to participate on Friday, December 7, 2012 from 4 PM to 9 PM  in a “Celebration of Life” visitation at the Kurrus Funeral Home, 1773 Frank Scott Parkway West located  in Belleville, IL and again briefly on Saturday, December 8, 2012  from 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM.  

Funeral: A funeral procession will leave Kurrus Funeral home at 12:45pm for a memorial mass in celebration of Nancy’s life on Saturday, December 8, 2012  at St. John’s Catholic Church, 10 South Lincoln in Smithton, IL at 1:30 PM.

Condolences left for Nancy Jean Flake:

    Dear Bob and Family,

    I am sorry for your loss. May God bless you and care for you now and always. Bob, it is always great seeing you at Belleville West...You do great work with the kids and with staff. Your Mom and Dad should be proud in having raised such a good man. Please know that all of Nancy's family and loved-ones are in my prayers.

    With Deepest Sympathy,

    John Oldani

    John Oldani St. Louis MO 63109

    Nancy will always hold a special place in my heart as she was a second mom to Beth in the Smithton grade school years.

    My deepest condolences goes out to a family that helped take care of part of my family.

    Tammie Hettenhausen Millstadt IL 62260

    Jeanette and Family, Truly sorry for your loss. There are no words that can make the pain go away, just know we send our prayers and you have our heartfelt sympathy

    Clara Elmore Belleville Il 62226

    My deepest condolences to the Flake Family:

    Nancy was a wonderful lady and will truly be missed. May God and memories give you strength.

    Peace, Prayers, and Blessings.


    Laura (Stefanowycz) LaBeau Waterloo IL 62298

    Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

    The Dauphin Family Columbia IL 62236

    Dear Coach,

    I am truly sorry for your loss. You have been here for me and the rest of the team for some time now. We are all here for you

    Sincerely, Mayville and your Class of 2015 football team

    Mitchell Mayville Belleville Illinois 62226

    Bob and Family

    Death leaves a Heartache no one can heal

    Love leaves a Memory no one steal

    Respectfully,

    Mike Henesey

    Michael Henesey Jacksonville Florida 32202

    Bob and Family,

    I am so very sorry for your loss, Brother. My family and I will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time.

    Art and Jane Beekman Maywood New Jersey 07607

    I am so very sorry to hear about nancy's passing. Nancy was an amazing person, strong fighter and a true inspriation to every one that meet her. We will dearly miss her.
    Rachel Schmitt BJWCH

    Rachel Schmitt st louis missouri 63116

    Please know your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    debbie wilburn swansea illinois 62226