Nancy Wilkinson, 73
Born: Aug. 8, 1939
Died: Sept. 19, 2012

Nancy L. Wilkinson, 73, of Niles, died at 2:35 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend following a brief illness.

She was born Aug. 8, 1939, in Benton Harbor to Roy Lee and Virginia Kathryn (Taylor) Boyd. She attended Benton Harbor schools and lived in Niles since 1977. She was employed for many years at the former Pawating Hospital (now Lakeland) in Niles.

Nancy was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles. She volunteered with the Pawating Auxiliary of Lakeland Community Hospital, and was active in area bowling leagues.  She enjoyed playing bingo and was a fan of the Chicago Cubs, but her greatest joy was her family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

On Feb. 4, 1978, in Niles, she married Kenneth Wilkinson, who preceded her in death on March 18, 1993.

She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Gerald and Dave Boyd.

Surviving family includes her children, Jim (Katie) McLalin of Hubbard, Ohio, Kathy (Eric) Pacheco of New Buffalo, and Sandy (Ed) Blasko of Mishawaka; grandchildren Katina (Bruce) Dove, Jamie McLalin, Nathan Heimbuch, Chadd Blasko, Phil (Lauren) Blasko, Jenny McLalin, Jim McLalin, Joey McLalin, Nanette Manley, Taylor McLalin and Jerry McLalin; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Joshua, Morgan, Christopher, Alexa and Adeline; and Nancy’s brothers, Grover Boyd of Vandalia, Hank Boyd of Washington, and Rocky Boyd; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Nancy Wilkinson will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Cathi Huvaere of Wesley United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Nancy may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.