Nancy L. Meccia, 54

Nancy L. Meccia, nee Kalachnik, 54, of Inverness, passed away peacefully in her home, June 14, after a valiant battle against cancer.

She was surrounded by her loving family: Sam, husband of 32 years, and her children, Joe and Samantha. A long-time employee of the Chicago Tribune and, later, a stay-at-home mom, Nancy was a vital, outspoken woman, who journeyed through her illness with strength, dignity and grace. Her wicked sense of humor and enjoyment of a good gathering of friends and family were matched only by her passion for cooking.

Nancy leaves behind a brother, Paul, and a host of relatives and friends to whom she was fiercely devoted. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Hospice of Northeastern Illinois, 405 Lake Zurich Rd., Barrington, Illinois 60010. http://www.hospiceanswers.org 

Visitation will be held Monday, June 18, 2012, 3-9 p.m.  Funeral Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. from Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Hwy., Palatine to St. Michael Episcopal Church, 647 Dundee Avenue, Barrington for a service at 10:30 AM.  Interment St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery.