Nancy E. Sauer

Nancy Elizabeth (Wilbur) Sauer, 74, passed away peacefully on Saturday March 25, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Nancy was born September 1, 1948 in Chicago, the youngest of Paul and Bernice Wilbur’s three children. Nancy spent her early life on Chicago’s north side, graduating from Amundsen High School in 1966. She became the first in her family to graduate college, graduating from Northern Illinois University in December, 1970.

Nancy made her home in Rockford for more than 40 years. She spent many years as a substitute teacher for Rockford District 205 and 26 years as the office manager of the Rockford Art Museum before retiring in 2020.

Nancy was a devoted daughter, a loyal friend, and an incomparable mother and grandmother. She attended and cheered at every band and choir concert, school play and sporting event. She was the comfort of home, the voice at the other end of the phone, and the one always up for dinner and a movie. She enjoyed history adventures, musical theater, trivia, and believed that Hallmark ornaments could help tell the story of our lives. She gave her children a happy childhood and brought that same magic and sense of fun to her beloved grandchildren.

Nancy was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church where she served on the Vestry and Altar Guild. Nancy’s abiding faith sustained her throughout her life and provided her with solace and comfort during her final months.

Nancy is survived by her children: Karen (Haris) Vilic, Matthew (Brianna Doyle) Sauer, and Stacey (Vincent) LaRosa; her grandchildren: Nathan, Nadia, Natalie and Molly; her sister, Kathleen Fleming, her sister-in-law Patricia Wilbur, and numerous nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Bernice, brother Christopher, in-laws Dr. & Mrs. F.E. Sauer, brother-in-law John Fleming and sister-in-law Susan Cerniglia.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Presence Saint Anne’s Place and OSF Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

Mass of the Resurrection will be held 11 am Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 412 N. Church St., Rockford. A reception to celebrate her life will be held at Rockford Art Museum following the service from 1 – 3 pm. Memorials in lieu of flowers can be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church or Rockford Art Museum.