Nancy Lee Trine, 87, of Paris, Illinois, heard her well-deserved and long awaited “Well done, good and faithful servant” as she entered Heaven and into the presence of her Lord, Jesus, on Friday October 2.

Born to Noble and Thelma Toliver on August 7, 1939, as an only child, it was evident Nancy was something special from the very start. If there is a watch-word to describe her character, it would undoubtedly be love. She was loved-on lavishly by her parents and showed the ways of love from a tender age. Her entire life has been about giving of herself. She gave love to everyone she met and she gave it freely in the forms of food, help, support, encouragement, hugs, food, advice, cookies, sweets, kisses on the cheek, gifts, food and even on occasion, her opinion which would also be given with love. Ever the rescuer, even from a young age, Nancy befriended and defended the underdog, in school and in life, welcoming and caring for the hurting, both human and animal (especially cats) into her home and even taking in strays in need of food and care. She came to love Jesus as a teenager which has only intensified her love for others. She continued the journey of love when she married Leslie Trine, the love of her life, on January 26, 1958. She loved kids and they had three, (even though she wanted many more). Their sons are Kenneth, Kevin and Steven and she taught them the ways of love. Even in discipline and correction (which she had to enforce on many occasions because boys will be boys) love prevailed. She taught her boys how to love well by being an example to her true love, Leslie whom she lost in 2009. The boys found true love too; Kenneth found Ginger Stanley, Kevin found Lucy Roberts and Steven, Kim Fulton and they each have a lasting and selfless love in marriage, just like their mom and dad. Nancy fiercely loved her grandkids which resulted from this long line of love. They include Kris (Carla) Trine, Kurt (Erin) Trine, Kay (Evan) Kauffman, Logan (Olivia) Trine, Lindsay (Michael) Rea, Kody (Merya) Trine, Kendra (Josh) Rea, Kara (Caleb) Coleman and Layton (Alyssa) Trine. And the love legacy lives on in her precious great grandchildren, Payton, Jaylee, Keneniah, Timothy, Parker, Elliot, Theodore, Audrey, Charlee, Asher, Madeline, Paxton, and Elsie with two more on the way. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie, her husband, daughter in law Kim, and granddaughter Kristin.

Nancy was a homemaker, a job she embraced wholeheartedly. Spending time in her home with family was everything to Nancy and she loved her family unconditionally. But when she wasn’t with them, you could most likely find her at Walmart or out with a friend having lunch. Maybe she would be reading a book or simply being at home enjoying her 2nd pot of coffee of the day. Nancy was a fantastic cook, always trying out new recipes on her family. She crocheted, crafted and created. Nancy was a baker too, whipping up wonderful cakes and pies and desserts for anyone just because she loved them. If you mentioned a sweet treat in her presence, you would have that treat the next day. Nancy was a plant lover as well. She couldn’t resist buying more and more plants to nurture and grow. She cultivated beauty everywhere you looked to share with the world, and she took pride in her blossoms and blooms. Nancy also loved cats the most recent being her faithful friend Pinky Lee, who was always by her side, especially at the end.

Nancy had many lifelong friends but her friendships with Martha, Sharon, Bonita (Bonnie), Nellie, Leona, Ernestine, Marian and most recently, Mel, her caregiver, went beyond friendship. These ladies were truly the sisters she never had. They are family and Nancy’s family is eternally grateful for these godly women and the way they poured into her life.

Nancy was a mom, grandma, aunt and friend to all. Her love flowed to many other children not her own, in which she had a hand in nurturing and influencing during her many years in providing childcare to dozens of children. If you weren’t family, you soon would be.

Nancy loved her church. She was a member of Otterbein Church from childhood where she served on many committees and directed many Vacation Bible Schools in her young adult days. Nancy had a beautiful alto voice and loved to sing. She sang in the choir at church and in school and in duets and trios for special occasions and funerals. She was also instrumental in the formation of Youth Fellowship (YF) at Otterbein and was a founding member of the Bible Club at Paris High School. She served as head of the kitchen committee and was very involved in the kitchen at church and loved planning meals and special dinners that would bring people together.

Nancy was a joy to all who knew her and she left her fingerprint everywhere she went. Her love continues to flow in her family, in her church family and in the community. A lifetime and legacy of love indeed warrants celebration! If you have been a recipient of the love given freely by Nancy, please join us, her family, for a celebration of a life well lived.

Visitation for Nancy will be held at Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home at 303 E. Wood St. from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm Thursday October 8th. Services will be held at 10:00 am Friday October 9th, also at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Edgar Cemetery. 

Memorial Contributions may be given in Nancy’s memory to Otterbein Church of Paris.

For more information and online condolences please visit www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com