Nancy Alwilda Lowe

Nancy Alwilda Lowe, 89, of Pinckneyville, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 6:07 a.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. 

Nancy was born on March 12, 1937, in Olney, Illinois, the daughter of Elgin and Sophronia Catherine (Stecher) Martin. On July 31, 1954, she married the love of her life, Donald Lowe, Sr., in Decatur, Illinois. Together, they built a life centered around family, love, and cherished memories until his passing on October 22, 2018. 

Nancy was a devoted homemaker and a member of St. Bruno Catholic Church in Pinckneyville. Above all else, she treasured her family and the time she spent surrounded by those she loved. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a second mother to many. 

Nancy had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome and loved. She found her greatest happiness in a home filled with family, children, laughter, and togetherness. Her love extended far beyond her biological grandchildren, as she lovingly became a grandmother to many children throughout her life. Nothing brought her more joy than having a house full of little ones. 

She also loved to cook and made sure that no one ever left her home hungry. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, delicious food, and unconditional love. Nancy's kindness, generosity, and nurturing spirit touched countless lives, and she will forever be remembered for the love she so freely shared with others. 

Nancy is survived by her three children: Deborah Jeffries-Kirksey and her husband, Keith, of Winterset, Iowa; Donald Lowe, Jr. and his wife, Deirdre, of Pinckneyville, Illinois; and Brian Lowe and his wife, Stacy, of Pinckneyville, Illinois. 

She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Elizabeth Jeffries-Cook and her husband, David, of Rainier, Oregon; Benjamin Jeffries and his wife, Nancy, of Des Moines, Iowa; Eric Lowe and Natalie Gonzales of Pinckneyville, Illinois; Joshua Lowe and his wife, Emma, of Pinckneyville, Illinois; Nathan Lowe of Pinckneyville, Illinois; Brittany Lowe of St. Louis, Missouri; and Brayden Lowe of Pinckneyville, Illinois. 

Her great-grandchildren include Kaden Jeffries, McKenna Jeffries, Kyleigh Holland, Amelia Lowe, Ada Lowe, and Donald Lowe. 

Nancy is also survived by her sister, Mary Comerford, and her husband, Jim, of Forsythe, Illinois; and her dear friend, Patsy Martin, whose friendship held a special place in her life. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Donald Lowe, Sr.; her sister, Catherine; and her brother-in-law, Lyle Driscoll.

 In accordance with Nancy's wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral service. Friends and loved ones wishing to honor Nancy's memory may make memorial contributions to St. Bruno Catholic School. Memorials will be accepted at the funeral home. 

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin, Illinois, is in charge of arrangements.