Nancy A. Schmidt, 74, of Belvidere, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Nancy was born on October 28, 1952, in Belvidere, Illinois, to Audrey (Chamberlain) and David Schmidt.

Nancy was a kind, loving, and patient woman whose heart was always open to helping others. She had a special gift for making people feel cared for and welcomed. Throughout her life, she found joy in spending time with family and friends and was always willing to give the shirt off her back to someone in need.

Nancy was also deeply passionate about her relationship with the Lord. A faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, her faith was an important part of who she was and how she lived her life. She made it a priority to ensure her children and grandchildren understood the importance of church, faith, and having God in their lives. Within her family, she was lovingly known as the “Schmidt family prayer warrior,” a title that reflected her unwavering faith and the love she carried for those closest to her.

Nancy spent many years working as an in-room teacher at First Step Daycare, where she loved and cared for the many children who came through her classroom. Later in life, she found a passion for her career as a personal banker. She absolutely loved her job and took great pride in helping people. Her dedication and talent earned her numerous awards and special trips, including vacations to Las Vegas, Hawaii, and the Bahamas, as well as an international cruise. She was always happy to share these experiences and adventures with the friends and family she loved.

Nancy had a love for traveling and enjoyed the journey just as much as the destination, whether by car, plane, or train. She also enjoyed bowling and treasured the time she spent with those closest to her. She especially loved taking her grandchildren to the movies and out to eat, creating memories they will carry with them always.

Nancy shared a special relationship with her boyfriend, George Fowler. They enjoyed their daily dates, whether spending time together by the water or simply going out to grab a bite to eat. It was the simple moments together that brought them happiness.

Nancy's generous spirit extended far beyond her family. She lovingly created handmade needlepoint crafts and donated them to nursing homes, bringing comfort and joy to others. She was also a devoted caregiver to her father during the final chapter of his life, showing the same love, patience, and compassion that she had given so freely throughout her years.

Nancy will be remembered for her generous heart, her gentle nature, her strong faith, her love of helping others, and the countless ways she made a difference in the lives of those around her. She leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her son, Derek (Jamie) Holtz; grandchildren, Bethany, Jillian, Aaron, and Keeghan; her brother, David (Kris) Schmidt; her boyfriend, George Fowler; and her best friend, Mary Ann Kelly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her daughter, Jonette Taylor.

A visitation for Nancy will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, located at 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, Illinois. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m.