Nancy Jean McIlvain, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2024, at the age of 83. Born on June 2, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Joseph Schutt and Ruth (Pueser) Schutt, she is survived by her daughter Alison James, son in law Don James Jr., grandchildren Drew and Brett, and her beloved nieces and nephews, Richard Richmond, Ruth Garza, Scott Richmond, Bradley Richmond, and Dawn Waters. Nancy was married to Ronald McIlvain for 7 years (father of Alison), who also survives her. She is predeceased by her parents, her sister Janice Richmond, and her grandson Ryan.

Nancy lived a life defined by compassion, intelligence, and an unwavering dedication to education and family. She was the first in her family to attend college, graduating from Southeast Missouri State University. She went on to earn a Master's Degree in Education, setting the stage for a remarkable career that spanned decades and impacted countless lives for the better. She began her career in education as a second-grade teacher and later found fulfillment working with gifted and talented students. She then spent several years as an Editor at educational publisher, Milliken Publishing Company. Nancy's most cherished professional achievement came when she served as Assistant Director at New City School, a role she considered the highlight of her career.

After relocating to Houston to be closer to her daughter, Nancy brought her creativity and expertise to the Children's Museum of Houston where she served as Programs Director. As she neared retirement, Nancy had always planned to find a secretarial position, a role she held very early in her life before embarking on her career in education. She found such a position at Aon Hewitt, but her leadership skills could not be contained, and she quickly became an Executive Assistant and Manager of Administrative Support Staff. She ended her career doing things she loved – solving problems and taking care of people.

A devoted and loving single parent to Alison, Nancy purchased her own home in Webster Groves in 1978, a significant accomplishment at a time when women were often denied credit. There, she soon became known as "Mom McIlvain," a second mother to countless teens – whether it was Alison's friends, members of the youth group where she volunteered, or any child who needed a positive adult influence. Her home was always open for slumber parties, and her car was often packed with kids and an oversized inner tube on the way to the neighborhood pool.

Nancy took great joy in being a proud grandmother to Drew and Brett. She never missed a band concert, sports event, or the chance to help out with carpool or babysitting. She was delighted to spend the night with her family every Christmas Eve so that she could share the joy and surprise of Christmas morning – along with far too many gifts adorned with perfectly crafted bows (a skill she learned during her teenage job at the "dime store"). Always ready with a quart of ice cream or an impromptu dinner out, Nancy cherished every moment spent with her family.

A woman of fierce independence, intelligence, and kindness, Nancy had a deep respect for the differences of others and championed opportunities for all throughout her life. She treasured many lifelong friendships and was devoted to her extended family of nieces, nephews, and beyond. In her final years, Nancy struggled to maintain communications with those afar due to cognitive challenges, which were ultimately attributed to colon cancer. Nancy will be loved and deeply missed by those whose lives she touched with her kindness, generosity, and enduring spirit.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the home of Alison and Don James on November 10 at 12:00 pm. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Alison or email nancyjmcilvain@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where Nancy donated annually in memory of her grandson Ryan. Please join us in honoring the legacy of a woman who dedicated her life to teaching, loving, and lifting others.