Nancy Marie Fleenor

October 22, 1935 - December 17, 2020

Nancy Marie Fleenor passed away from complications of COVID-19 at Franciscan St. Elizabeth East in Lafayette, IN on Thursday, December 17, 2020. Nancy was the daughter of the late Oscar Alvin Gustin and Marie Theresa Pohancenik Gustin. She was born on October 22, 1935 in Chicago, IL. She was married on September 3, 1955 to John Richard “Rich” Fleenor. He preceded her in death in 2005. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary shortly before his death. Nancy graduated from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN with her degree in speech and hearing pathology in 1957. She obtained her master’s degree from St. Francis College in Fort Wayne, IN in special education. During her career she was employed by Southwest Allen County School Corporation and later by the Special Education Learning Facility (SELF) of Porter County in Valparaiso, IN. She obtained state grant money in the late 1970s to help establish a program to build communication boards for nonverbal students. She was an active member of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church during the time she lived in Fort Wayne. She was also active in the Zeta Tau Alpha Alumnae group in both Fort Wayne and Lafayette. Nancy obtained her private pilot’s license in the late 1970s and she enjoyed flying and traveling with her husband. They flew to many parts of the United States in their own plane. Nancy and her husband retired to Lafayette, IN in 1986. She enjoyed attending Purdue Convocations, and was a season ticket holder for Purdue Women’s Basketball. She also loved spending time at Raccoon Lake in Rockville, IN at her lake home. She is survived by her daughter, Kristen Rush (husband Gary) of Lafayette. She resided with them for the past 12 years. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Rachel Rush O’Connell (husband Jonathan) of Wilmette, IL and Logan Rush (wife Jenna) of Michigan City, IN. It was her great honor to be a great grandmother to Ingrid O’Connell for the past two years. Private graveside services will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Greenlawn Cemetery in Fort Wayne, IN. She will be buried next to her loving husband and alongside of her parents. Memorial contributions may be sent to Food Finders of Lafayette, IN or to Natalie’s Second Chance Shelter of Lafayette. Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com