Nancy Jean (Teel) Croessmann, a native of Du Quoin, passed away on Sunday, March 10 at her home in Madison, New Jersey. She was 77.
Nancy was born in Springfield on February 13, 1947, to Loren and Betty Lue Teel.  She grew up on South Washington Street with her younger brother, Brian.  In 1965, Nancy graduated from Du Quoin High School where she was active in drama, speech and journalism.
Inspired by her grandfather, longtime Perry County Superintendent of Schools Philip A. Provart, Nancy went on to earn her bachelor's degree in elementary education from MacMurray College.  She later received a Master of Science degree in Education from Southern Illinois University and completed post-master's work at Kean University in New Jersey.
Nancy and her husband Allen met in high school and were married on April 20, 1969, at the First Methodist Church.  They settled in New Jersey in 1975, where they raised their two children, Ross and Alison, after living for several years in California and Massachusetts.  Nancy taught special education for over 30 years and retired in 2012.
Nancy was an avid reader, loved the theater, and enjoyed spending early fall days at the Jersey Shore and Delaware beaches.  She was devoted to her many friends (both human and canine) and adored her five grandchildren.  Nancy was kind and generous, loved to laugh and reveled in celebrations for family and friends.  She never forgot her Du Quoin roots, returning for frequent visits.
Nancy is survived by her husband Allen; son Ross and his wife Jen; daughter Alison Croessmann Schrag and her husband Ben; brother Brian and family; and grandchildren, Drew, Paige, Spencer, Jackson and Nate.
In recognition of Nancy's life, a ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 13, beginning at 10 a.m. at John Croessman Square on East Main Street in Du Quoin.  The family will arrive by 9:30 a.m. to greet guests.   A private ceremony at Sunset Memorial Park will follow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Nancy's memory to the Du Quoin Education Foundation Scholarship Fund, 845 E. Jackson St., Du  Quoin, IL, 62832.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.