Nancy S. Gross

Nancy's 64-year love affair with Corkey began when they met through the apparel industry. Nancy was working at Allied Purchasing as an Associate Apparel Buyer and Corkey worked with his brother representing several apparel manufacturers. After getting married, they were fortunate to have their son, Jeffrey, and daughter, Vicky. Then the family grew with four grandchildren (Ashley, Jacqueline, Alexis, and Jacob) and one great-granddaughter (Avery). In addition, their love of animals grew as the years went by and they owned dogs, horses, cats, birds, etc. After raising their children, she returned to her career as an Accounting Executive before becoming co-owner of the family pet store. After 12 years at the pet store, she returned to the accounting world until she retired in 2002.

As a child, Nancy thoroughly enjoyed her ballet lessons and recitals. In her young adult years, she enjoyed going to the movies and occupied her time with friends. As Nancy blossomed into adulthood, she was an avid reader and a master of puzzles of all kinds. While living in Illinois, she was on a traveling tennis team. But her true loves were that of her home, her gardening, and spending time outdoors, although family was the meaning of her life.

For health reasons, Nancy and Corkey moved to the Southwest where they lived for over 20 years. Nancy enjoyed meeting new people and making friends through her mahjongg and card groups. Her many true friends became extended members of her family.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Corwin Gross; son, Jeffrey Gross of Antioch, IL; daughter, Vicky Gross of Sun Lakes, AZ; grandchildren: Ashley Hayner of Bristol, WI, Alexis Gross of Downers Grove, IL, Jacob Gross of Antioch, IL, and Jacqueline Harnden of Wimauma, FL; one great-grandchild: Avery Harnden of Wimauma, FL; brother Arthur (Barb) Salins of Elgin, IL. She is preceded in passing by her parents, Jewell & Gertrude Salins; In-laws, Hyman & Helen Gross; her Daughter-in-law, Christi Gross; and Grandson-in-law, James Harnden.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Robert Bloomberg for over 20 years of care, and her care teams from Summit Hospice and Home Instead.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Nancy may be made to a COPD or animal organization of your choice.

A private celebration of Nancy's life will be held at a later date.

For remembrances and condolences to Nancy's family, please visit www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com.