Nancy Beth Schenk Pyskaty, age 81, a resident of Carol Stream, IL, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.  She was born September 20, 1944 in Boston, MA to Clayton & Wilma Schenk.

Born and raised on the East Coast, Nancy's path first crossed with her beloved husband, Alan, while she was attending the Maine College of Art & Design. At the time, Alan was stationed in Portland, Maine, serving in the United States Coast Guard. Their meeting marked the beginning of a partnership that would span nearly 60 years—a marriage rooted in loyalty, shared purpose, and deep affection.

After Alan's discharge from the Coast Guard, the couple moved to Chicago, where Nancy began a career devoted to caring for and nurturing children. She worked for various daycare organizations throughout the city, discovering what would become one of her life's great passions: helping children learn, grow, and feel seen.

In 1974, Nancy and Alan settled in the Carol Stream area, where they raised their family and put down lasting roots. Nancy continued her work with children as a teacher's aide for Community Consolidated School District 93, a role she held for 22 years before retiring in 2001. Generations of students benefited from her patience, kindness, and steady encouragement—qualities that defined her both in and beyond the classroom.

Nancy was the matriarch of her family in every sense of the word. She was the keeper of stories, the guardian of photographs, and the devoted historian of the family's genealogy. Through her careful records and treasured memories, she ensured that the past would not be lost, but lovingly carried forward.

An accomplished and imaginative artist, Nancy expressed herself through many forms—painting, knitting, sewing, scrapbooking, and more. Her creativity was not only something she practiced, but something she shared, gifting beauty and meaning to those around her.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Alan; her sons Eric Pyskaty & Marc Pyskaty; her grandchildren Dylan Beth Pyskaty & Clayton Michael Pyskaty; her sisters Joanne (Marc) Antokowiak & Betty (Ed) Gill; and many nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. with a celebration of life service at 4:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 565 Randy Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.