NANCY LOUISE WILKESON
December 25, 1938 - July 15, 2022
Nancy Louise Wilkeson, 83, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2022. She was born in Murray, Kentucky on Christmas morning and grew up in New Carlisle and South Bend, Indiana. She graduated from New Carlisle High School where she met her husband, Terry when she was 15. They were married in South Bend on August 22, 1959.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Philip “Terry” Terrance Wilkeson; her four children: Kevin Michael (Tiffiny Mansouri), Christopher Neal (Doris), Sheryl Lynn (Paige Snowe), and Scott Alan (Bernadine); five grandchildren: Karly, Brooke, Zoey, Reese, and Lucas; and siblings: Robert J. “Bob” Manuszak (Jane) of Georgia and Judith “Judy” (Mike) Gallant of Maine.
She was preceded in death by her parents Evelyn E. (Watson ) and Robert J. Manuszak.
Nancy and Terry moved, with their 2 young sons, to California in 1965 and settled in Corona in 1966 where they raised their family and have lived ever since.
Nancy retired from Pacific Bell in 1988 after 26 years of service which allowed her more time to spend with family and friends, travel, and do volunteer work. Nancy’s love for all things Victorian led her to become a docent at the Riverside Heritage House. She was also a lifetime member of the Friends of the Corona Library and the Riverside Museum Associates. She was also an active member of P.E.O., Chapter KE/Corona since 1993 and through them supported educational opportunities for girls and women.
Nancy was an avid reader since childhood and belonged to two book discussion groups. Nancy and her husband enjoyed traveling, especially river boat cruises in Europe. She and Terry took several European, Canadian and U.S. trips. They often traveled with Nancy’s lifelong friends Marilyn and Steve Bryant, Anita McDonald and Edna Kuk. She also enjoyed planning and organizing these adventures.
Her greatest joys were her five grandchildren. She always made holidays special for them and her entire family. She was a great Mom and Grandmother who supported her family in every way. We will forever remember her smile, laugh, and warm hugs. Nancy was a role model of kindness and compassion and was loved by all who met her.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 11th at 11:00 AM at Corona United Methodist Church, 2880 California Ave, Corona.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Nancy’s life can make donations in her name to P.E.O. Chapter KE Helen Wright Scholarship, C/O Executive Office Treasurer’s Dept., 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312, or donations can also be made to the Corona United Methodist Church, 2880 California Ave, Corona.