Nancy Lee O'Gara

The first few words will be those of my mother. During my sophomore year in college my mom started a genealogy book of and for our family, very detailed, and she spent A LOT of time gathering, re tying and leaving us a hand held legacy, of our legacy. I pulled pages from that book to use in this transition time of recording the basic needs, place of birth, parents full names etc. IN doing so, I got these words. I have looked at the book, read the book, but until now, did not appreciate the words spoken here to my heart, because I was able to still hear them spoken to my ears. So, in the words of my sweet mom. My Childhood and adolescence was spent in Bangor, Michigan. However, in 1961, my homeland called. I returned to Illinois and attended the American School of Beauty in Chicago. While living in Hinsdale I met and married Jim O’Gara, we were married 6 ½ years. In 1983 my daughter and I moved to Bolingbook to live with my sister, Sue and her son, Bill. My daughter graduated from high school in 1988. Terri is currently a sophomore at Aurora University where she is working on her Social Work degree. Scrubbing, a term used by hair dressers, is my thing. I have been working as a hair stylist for the last 25 years {1989}. I am currently employed at the Perfect Tough (now Hair Taylors) , in Westmont, Illinois I like working with my hands, In my free time, besides watching One Life to Live & General Hospital, I love to sew. My nephews and nieces can be seen wearing any one of my great creations. I tell you, it comes in handy knowing how to make sweat shirts and pants, especially when that’s all college students wear. Sue and I have designed many sweatshirts. We discovered these near paints for painting shirts; splatter paint, puffed paint, paint, etc. We went a little paint happy with our new finds, but at least everyone is colorful!! It was, and still is, fun making clothing for the family. It really makes you feel good when someone compliments you on your design. As Daughter to Betty & Forrest Blunt, and later her 2nd father, Curtis Blunt, the middle sister of 5, mom was born in Evanston and due to Curt’s diagnosis of MS, the doctors suggested the family move to the Country. SO, Bangor Michigan became HOME. Mom spent her childhood in 1 room schoolhouse located throughout the county. I often heard stores of the homes she lived in, of her climbing high the windmill so grandma could not catch her when she was in trouble. My mom loved her class mates, and she never missed a class reunion. Much of her high school life, she worked at a restaurant called The Gay Time. My mom started to work at 12 years old, and always told me that she was on the work to die program. My mom liked to work, she had fun being there with her friends. My mom could often be heard saying she did hair for over 50 years. IN reality, mom did hair for more than 63 years, her last haircut, being this December. One thing that she always said, is that you should look as good leaving a room as you do entering. Mom would often tell others when she felt that they had a good head of hair, or a good haircut. I was the Bain of her hair cutting life at times. My mother is the strongest woman that I know, and I hope to one day be just as strong. Mom overcame so many life stereotypes, paving a way and carving out the best life she could have given me. I have never wanted for anything, because mom found a way to give me what I wanted, not just needed. Selling a class ring to by me my canopy bed. Not allowing obstacles to denture her. Mom always prevailed. I told the nurses in the ICU, that I was not a rule follower, as I broke the rule of only 6 people in mom’s room at a time. I learned that from my mom, although she did it with more tack than I. My mom always had a smile on her face, ALWAYS. Mom told me that I did not smile when I was little, that she would follow me around and say, Smile, Terri Lynn. I will continue to smile for you mom! My mom was a stylish woman, heals, hats, dresses and suits were her thing! The more sparkle the better; AND OH THE JEWLWRY!!! There was a time when she was the only young, single woman living here in Bolingbrook. Helping my uncle and the rest of the Village Trustee’s establish Bolingbrook. My mother is the one who is responsible for initiating the creation of Plimmer Park, across from the High School, as an honor to my uncle, one of the founding village trustees and who stepped up to be a father for me when my father was not able to do so. My mother made more than shirts, many of our homes are adorned with her paintings, Christmas tree skirts, Jewelry trees, Manger sets, yard ornaments or other creations, such as her Fairy Gardens. IN 1998, my mom suggested we buy a home together. It was my greatest blessing, and my mom was always diligent in telling people that we bought a house together so that others did not think that I was living off my mom, taking advantage. Mom’s goal was to get this house, get it together so that I would be secure when she was not here, physically, anymore. Always taking care of me, gave me the opportunity to take care of her. My mom was known as Aunt Nancy to many, as for a while in my early years, we lived with her sister and her children, one being her name sake; 2 Nancy’s in the home required a definition. Therefore, everyone and even people in the village, who have known my mom that long, know her as Aunt Nancy, even those older than mom. A daughter first, sister second, cousin, niece, friend, then wife and then mother to me. An Aunt who was so loved, that grandmother came next and naturally. The Great Aunt Nancy is a beloved name that her Great nieces & nephews and great great’s called her. The role of God Mother is one she held dear to her heart. My mom Loved God, and prayed for all of us, especially those who have yet met Jesus. Mom told me that God said, get them to my house, and I will take care of them. This was important to mom, and she would be honored that her last days on this earth accomplished a break through understanding of God’s love to those she loved. This week we lost our Matriarch, and the torch passes on to one of mom’s “girls”. If you have met my mom, been blessed by her smile, or one of her acts of service, such as one of her hand written cards, then you know that there is no way possible that any of these words do her justice. On the next clear night, look up, and the brightest shining star, is her smile! Blessings, Terri Celebration of Life, for Nancy L. O'Gara (Blunt) at The Sanctuary Church on Monday, January 2, 2017. 12pm- 2 pm is a "Visitation" at the Church, and the Church Celebration/ Service will start at 2 pm. A Time of Family fellowship and nourishment will follow. Blessings, Terri

Nancy Lee O'Gara

December 28, 2016