Obituary: Nancy Lee Dragovan

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

Nancy Lee Dragovan

(nee Hitchings)

Nancy Lee Dragovan, age 79, a longtime Joliet resident, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 12, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Nancy Lee was born on June 28, 1946, in Joliet, the only daughter to Henry and Mary (Ponte) Hitchings. Nancy spent many years as the primary caregiver to her parents. In recent years, she enjoyed her time working at Dollar General.

Nancy's greatest blessing in life was her daughter, Marlo, who later on blessed her with three granddaughters, Jessica, Renee, and Nicole. As the girls were growing up, Nancy, would sew their Halloween costumes every year. She loved Halloween and spending quality time with her granddaughters. Her favorite time of the year was always Christmas, and she loved nothing more than to share and pass down all of her Christmas traditions. She also enjoyed cooking and baking. Those who knew Nancy best, knew that there was nothing better than an ice cold, crisp Pepsi.

Nancy and her longtime friend, Donna, enjoyed watching competition shows together. They liked to watch Dancing with the Stars and Nancy was a fan of the show Lost. Nancy enjoyed crossword puzzles and playing Rummy and Candy Crush on her phone. She loved crocheting, refurbishing antique furniture, coloring, and making sewing crafts. She was an avid collector of gingerbread men throughout the years. Most of all, Nancy loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Everyone loved Nancy and she was “Gramma” to everyone, even if it wasn’t by blood. She was a stubborn and strong Italian woman.

Survivors include her beloved daughter, Marlo Clark; three loving granddaughters, Jessica (Scott) Becker, Renee Shirley, and Nicole Shirley; 11 adoring great-grandchildren, Jaime, Laylah, Kaylah, Elainah, Jay, Gianna, Mariah, Noah, Roman, Lucia, Leah, and two more on the way; one nephew, Anthony (Tina) Daletski; and her dear friend, Donna Lucas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son-in-law, Anthony Clark; two sisters, Doris Juricic and Carol Daletski; and one nephew, Clifford Daletski.

Per Nancy's request, cremation rites have been accorded and private family services will be held.

For more information, please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-741-5500, or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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