Nancy Ahrens Clancy
June 20, 1932 - February 12, 2025
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Nancy Ahrens Clancy
June 20, 1932 - February 12, 2025
Obituary
Nancy Ahrens Clancy, a devoted wife (widowed), mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025 in Mission Viejo, CA. She was born on June 20, 1932 in Jersey City, NJ to Louis and Fredericka (Zullinger) Ahrens.
Nancy met her husband, William (a WWII Veteran), while working together at Ingersoll Rand in Manhattan, NY. They settled in Stuyvesant Town in NYC where they had two children, Virginia and Paul.
Later, Nancy and the family moved to Arlington Heights, IL as a result of William’s career. Nancy worked part-time as a paralegal as her children grew up, and finished her career working at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) before retirement.
Nancy and William loved traveling, and they enjoyed trips to Hong Kong, France, and England. After William’s passing, Nancy continued to enjoy trips to visit family in Southern California as well as the Jersey Shore. While Nancy remained a steadfast NY Yankees fan, upon moving to Chicago, she became an ardent Cubs fan swayed by Vince Lloyd and Lou Boudreau’s afternoon broadcasts culminating in the 2016 World Series championship. In retirement, she volunteered countless hours at the Buddy Foundation in Arlington Heights, the Arlington Heights Public Library and the Arlington Heights Senior Center.
Of Nancy’s many passions, one that she thoroughly embraced was her love of dogs, most notably her Pembroke Welsh corgis. Following William’s passing, the dogs became her loyal companions for many years and brought tremendous joy to her life.
Nancy was also very close with her grandchildren and always available for a cup of tea or coffee in her welcoming kitchen to talk through the challenges of growing up. She often took on the role of a surrogate mother to many of her younger co-workers and volunteers.
Nancy was preceded in death by her loving husband, William, of 38 years. She is survived by her daughter Virginia (Tom) O’Malley, her son Paul (Diane) Clancy; grandchildren Meredith (George Martin) Clancy, William Clancy and Elizabeth Clancy; great grandchildren Adrien and Olive.
A private service will be held in her honor.
4 responses to Nancy Ahrens Clancy
Betsy Hart says:
February 24, 2025
My deepest condolences to the whole Clancy gang. I grew up next Virginia (she and I were just one year part in school) and “Mr. and Mrs. C” as I called the Clancys. Mrs. “C” was the best. She was so patient and welcoming whenever I went over which was all the time. I remember her look sideways if I was telling a story – maybe about a mess I made in their basement, or a plate I broke (not uncommon) and she would say, “now Betsy, really?” but always gently. For the record, I loved Mr. “C” too, but there I was a little more overtly mischevious like a Dennis the Menace. Well both the C’s tolerated me well for all those years. God bless you all.
Renate Miller says:
February 27, 2025
I met Nancy at our law office and my husband, Ross Miller and I loved talking with her on many subjects. He always called her “miss Ahrens”. She and I would have lunches together quite often after we were both widows. I miss her gentle laugh and all the conversations we had together ❤️
Virginia Mann says:
March 4, 2025
Remembering my dear friend, Nancy Clancy. She was such a special person.
Nancy and I first met during my days at NAM (National Association of Manufacturers). When she joined our team, my colleague, Ann Heins, and I felt as if Mary Poppins had arrived! We knew it was fate that we would all work together because Nancy had a daughter named Virginia and a dog named Annie. We made quite a team.
Nancy was such a joy to work with and the consummate professional. Talented, smart, articulate, well-read, joyful. And most of all, Nancy Clancy was graceful and dignified. She could have been the Queen of England, but the title Lady Nancy would have suited her especially well.
After she retired from NAM, she would often work with me, helping me with my business. We enjoyed so many fun days together and probably spent as much time talking politics, baseball, dogs, gardening and other world affairs, as we did working.
Nancy was also an accomplished gardener, pianist, and of course, dog lover.
After she moved to California, thanks to her daughter, Virginia, we kept in touch and I did get to visit with her. A wonderful woman who will be deeply missed. Rest In Peace, Nancy.
Beverley J. Baron says:
April 15, 2025
Sending deepest condolences to the entire Clancy family on the loss of Nancy Ahrens Clancy.
As a friend of her daughter, Virginia, I remember Nancy to be a very capable individual who handled any project with expertise and great aplomb. She was a very dedicated person who approached life with much gusto, integrity and commitment, bringing the very best out of all around her.
Thank you, for bringing such lovely children into the world to continue your legacy. You will be greatly missed by all.
Be at peace, precious friend!