Nancy Ann Kollmeyer

Nancy Ann Kollmeyer, 55, of Avon, Connecticut, born Sunday, February 17, 1957, in East Saint Louis, IL, died Sunday, February 19, 2012 in Avon, Connecticut.

Nancy Ann was born with Down Syndrome and developed Alzheimer’s disease later in her life. Therefore, her life does not include a long list of those earthly accomplishments that are typically written about in the obituary pages. Rather, her life was a testimony to the values of simplicity and humility. Her infectious smile and “I Love You” touched a countless number of lives. She offered all those she encountered with a glimpse of how one can be happy when it might appear that there was not much to be happy about.
Nancy was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Caseyville, IL; she was baptized, attended Sunday School and was confirmed. She was also an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and the St. Louis Blues hockey team. Nancy was also a Special Olympics bowler and especially loved taking on her oldest brother and cleaning his clock.

She was preceded in death by her:

  • Parents: Kenneth and Julia nee Shaposka Kollmeyer

Surviving are her:

  • Sister: Karen S. Kollmeyer of Belleville, IL
  • Brothers
    • Kenneth S. (Penny) Kollmeyer of Farmington, CT
    • Richard Kollmeyer of Fairview Heights, IL
  • Loving Niece: Courtney M. (Jim) Sterling of Tolland, CT
  • Great Nephew: Cameron J. Sterling
  • Great Niece: Jacqueline M. Sterling
  • Beloved Aunts, Uncles and many Cousins
  • Extended family members


Special Thanks: Nancy and her family wish to thank the caregivers at both Home Instead Senior Care in Belleville, IL and Companions and Homemakers in Farmington, CT.  Nancy enjoyed time spent with her beloved friends and devoted staff members in River Ridge at Avon, CT.  Pastor Jonathan Winterfeldt of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (Caseyville, IL) and Pastor Wendy Sue Kissa of the First Church of Christ (Unionville, CT) provided compassionate pastoral care.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Caseyville, IL or the First Church of Christ in Unionville, CT.

Visitation:  Friends may call from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday, February 24, 2012 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois.

Funeral:  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, February 25, 2012 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Pastor Jonathan Winterfeldt officiating.  Interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, Illinois.

Other Services: A celebration service will also be held at River Ridge in Avon, CT on Sunday, March 4th  2012 at 3pm.

Condolences left for Nancy Ann Kollmeyer:

    Ken and Penny:

    What a lovey tribute to your dear sister. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Love,
    Judy

    Judith Eastwood Bedford NH 03110

    What a beautiful tribute to your sister in this mornings paper. My son Patrick has DS and he's 28. He also loves bowling and enjoys life. It's all about swinging, balloons and his brothers for him. It sounds like Nancy had a wonderful life and family. Please except my sympathy for your loss.

    Barb McCooe

    Barbara McCooe Manchester Ct 06040

    A great tribute to your sister! Years ago I drove a sheltered workshop bus and got to personally know many of the clients with disabilities. After I left, I remained friends with many of them. The simple things that they enjoyed, taught me to always appreciate the little things. God bless Nancy

    Mary Buckland Manchester ct. 06040

    Ken and Penny,
    I didn't know Nancy, but the tribute to her conveys how lovable and loving she was. I am sure you were a blessing to her and she to you. May God comfort you at this time and give you resurrection hope for a future reunion with a healed Nancy.
    John Murray

    John Murray Avon CT 06001