Nancy Peek, 83, of Valparaiso, Indiana passed away unexpectedly due to a stroke on November 15, 2024. For several years, Nancy was a corrections officer and librarian at Westville Correctional Facility. While in their employment, Nancy constantly worked with public libraries to obtain more books for the prison libraries and taught numerous inmates how to read during downtime at the library and after work. Her work at the prison had a significant impact on the lives of the inmates. Nancy loved caring for animals, and throughout the years, she adopted, rescued, and fostered many dogs, with Chip and Piper as her favorites. At the time of her death, Nancy had rescued a cat named Cubby whom she loved very much, even as she claimed to dislike cats to anyone who would listen. Nancy loved to sit in her chair and watch the birds and deer eat bird food on the back deck. The scope of her life had narrowed as she aged but all who knew her would say that Nancy’s energy and personality filled a room. Nancy was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso for many years and was Father Doug’s biggest fan. She had her favorite pew, her favorite prayers, her favorite sermons…
Nancy is survived by her son, Kevin Peek and wife, Leslie Florestano Peek, her daughter, Kathleen Peek DiCianni and husband, Thomas DiCianni. She is also survived by beloved friends, Laura Perlstein, Theresa O’Halloran, Barb Acerbi, Sandy Detraz, and Julie Lubaway, along with many others. Her friends were family. Nancy was predeceased in death by her parents and her son, Kirby Peek.
A mass in celebration of Nancy’s life will take place in May, 2025 at St. Paul Catholic Church, Valparaiso, Indiana.
GUESTBOOK
Kate and Kevin, I offer you my sincerest condolences on your mother's passing. Nancy was one of my two best friends since our junior year at Evanston Township High School (IL) and remained in touch even after our paths parted ways. We picked up in person from 2006-2020. Despite the frailties and illnesses she endured during the last 20 or so years of her life, Nancy always, always, always had a positive, cheerful spirit. She is likely regaling those on the Other Side with her humor and positive attitude. Fly high, my friend. Love forever. -Liz Frenzel
