Nancy Lee Eliza Beggin

Nancy Lee Eliza Beggin, 91, of Freeport, passed away, Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Parkview Home. Nancy was born Nov. 21, 1934 in Dubuque, IA., to Alphonsine (Blommaert) and Leo Steffen. She married James Sherman Beggin, Sr. on June 9, 1956. Nancy attended Immaculate Conception Academy and graduated from Clark College, Dubuque in 1956, majoring in Sociology, with a minor in Library Science. She was a dedicated mother to five children and worked part-time at the Freeport Public Library, as an election judge, and occasionally a substitute teacher.

Nancy was a lifelong learner, always researching, questioning, reading, and studying the things that interested her: the Bible, all religions, spirituality, angels, history, politics, Native Americans, civil rights, and other social issues of the day. She was a member of many groups, including many Bible Studies, prayer groups, a book club, inter-racial women's discussion group, craft group, and a bridge club (for over 70 years).

Nancy volunteered all her life, including establishing and running the first library at St. Joseph Elementary School. She was a CONTACT Crisis Line worker, FACC volunteer, and did numerous volunteer jobs at St. Joseph and later St. Thomas churches. Nancy led Bible Studies and taught Sunday School for many years.

She was a writer, poet, and painter, and a great sender of cards, notes, and letters, much appreciated by her family and friends. She was not afraid to try new things such as parasailing, snorkeling, and riding in a hot air balloon. One of the things she was most proud of was taking a writing class from the author Madeleine L'Engle.

Nancy always made holy days, holidays, and birthdays special for her family, establishing many traditions, such as the annual Christmas Eve Nativity play involving all her children, May altars and handmade baskets delivered to neighbors secretly, making hundreds of Christmas cookies and candies to share with friends and creating elaborate homemade Halloween costumes. And we can't forget to mention serving green milk on St. Patrick's Day! Birthday parties were never the usual affairs. Beggin parties had things like a Polaroid scavenger hunt, each guest making pizzas in the shape of their choice, and churning homemade ice cream.

Nancy was pre-deceased by her parents, (husband of 56 years) Jim, in-laws Sherman and Josephine Beggin, sisters-in-law Mary Vosberg and Madonna Beggin, brother-in-law John Patrick Beggin, nephew Todd Curry, and nephew Rory Beggin. She is survived by her children: Jim Jr., John (Kathy), and Michael Beggin, Jennifer Pro, and Christine Ihde. Also, grandchildren, Jared, Miranda, Marissa, and Macguire Beggin, Maura (Scott) Brockelbank, Anthony (Lindsey) Pro, Ali (Kevin)Meister, Elizabeth Ihde, and great-granddaughters, Audrina and Tyler Pro, and Bailey Brockelbank. Also surviving are her sister Jonneal (Robert) Cahill, and brother-in-laws Robert Beggin, David Vosberg, and sister-in-law Karen (Peter) Dahl, Cousin Leroy Blommaert, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for FACC (Freeport Area Church Co-op) which provides food, shelter, and other services for our community. Please send donations directly to FACC at 514 S Chicago Ave, Freeport IL 61032

On Tuesday September 1, 2026, there will be a visitation at 9:00am. Funeral Mass is 10:30am at St. Thomas Aquinas in Freeport, IL. Father Peter Snieg will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Freeport.