Nancy Louise Eichler-O'Connell

Nancy Louise Eichler-O’Connell, 67, of Douglas, MI, passed away on April 11th in Douglas, Michigan.

Nancy was born in Homewood, Illinois to Robert and Mary Eichler on June 1, 1957. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Loyola University, a Master’s degree in Management from Benedictine University, and a Master’s degree in Marketing Communications from Northwestern University. She worked in various management roles with AT&T, Ameritech Mobile, and Verizon for almost twenty years. She obtained a Certification in Ergonomics from the University of Michigan and provided consulting services through Snow Environmental Health LLC. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, attending movies and concerts, and spending time with friends, family, and most importantly, her five beloved grandchildren. Nancy was a member of the Junior Women’s Club of Glen Ellyn, Illinois and also served on the Chicago Bear’s Care Gala Committee for almost 15 years. As one of the longest living survivors of Grade 4 Glioblastoma, Nancy was passionate about paying it forward to other patients fighting cancer.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 33 years, Dan O’Connell of Douglas, Michigan, her daughter Kelly (Jon) Rodgers and their children Lilla (13), Quinn (10), and Dylan (6), her daughter Kirby Longbrake and her children Waits (9) and Murphy (7), and her brother Todd (Diane) Eichler. She is preceded in death by her daughter Hannah O’Connell and parents Robert and Mary Eichler.

The funeral will be held at Dykstra Funeral Home in Saugatuck, Michigan on April 17th. Visitation begins at 11am and funeral service begins at 2pm. Minister Douglas Petersen will be officiating. A private burial will be followed at Douglas Cemetery in Douglas, Michigan.

Memorial donations may be made to Bear’s Care Organization, 1920 Football Drive, Lake Forest, IL 60045 and the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the several agencies that assisted in the search for Nancy, including the Allegan County Dive Rescue Team, Allegan County Marine Patrol, Douglas City Police Department, Life EMS, Saugatuck Fire Department, Graafschap Fire Department, Hamilton Fire Department, Michigan DNR, Michigan State Police Aviation Unit, and Allegan County Medical Examiner’s Office.