Obituary of Nancy L. Pines

On Sunday, March 1st, Nancy L. Pines began her flight into Heaven surrounded by angels. As she looks down from above, she sees her loving, doting husband who shared his heart with her over 50 years ago (Dick Pines); her three children who love her dearly and miss her so much already (Heidi, Sarah and Dick); her son- and daughter-in-law who became important members of her immediate family over weddings, holidays, birthdays and annual adventures in the Poconos (Mike and Surita); six grand-children who played, laughed, read, colored, cooked with and learned from her (Hawkins, Molly, Hannah, Lucy, Oliver and Sienna); extended family who always loved the holiday dinners and parties she hosted; fellow Lyric Opera attendees who reveled in her love of music; multiple book club members who had the benefit of her unique perspective gained from reading hundreds of books; her University of Chicago professors and classmates who were impressed with her ability to understand and process complex religious, philosophical and historical issues discussed in classic works of literature; hundreds of her students who developed a passion for learning and went on to change the world because of her teaching; her Mahjong club members who exchanged life stories while trying to win gracefully on Saturday mornings; tulips and other flowers that were planted every year without fail will miss her tender care; fellow travelers who joined her on trains, planes and boats throughout her global travels; police officers who encouraged her to slow down or make more complete stops; ingredients that will miss being combined to make the most delicious cakes, pies, cookies and dinners; neighbors who she supported in their times of need; and strangers who happened to stand next to her while in an elevator while she struck up a conversation, creating smiles along the way. Her legacy is that she touched so many lives with her intelligence, love, thoughtfulness and willingness to go to whatever lengths to help those who sometimes just needed a friend, a shoulder to cry on or some different perspective. By remembering even the smallest details, she made people feel special. She cared so much about the world around her and making it a better place for all of us to live in. And each day she did that effortlessly as it was what came natural to her. She was dedicated to building a strong family with traditions that would be handed down through generations. And she accomplished that. "Nonnie" as she was affectionately called by her family, was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. And if we could see her now, I'm sure she would have created a small book club in Heaven with Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Confucius and other great philosophers; Plato would be asking her to pass more of her apple strudel while Aristotle would be quietly wishing he would have thought of the perspective she just shared... A celebration of Nancy's life will be at Independence Grove, Audubon Hall, 16400 Buckley Rd, Libertyville on October 23, 2021 from 11:00am - 2:00pm. Bring a story, a picture and a smile to share. In lieu of flowers, Nancy would have wanted you to support one of her passions: the Lyric Opera House of Chicago. Donations in her name can be made by (1) calling (312) 827-3500 and speaking with Erin or Stephanie (2) online at www.lyricopera.org/donate and click on "This is a commemorative gift" (3) mailing a check to 20 N.Wacker Drive, Suite 860, Chicago, IL 60606, including a note that the donation is in her name.