Nancy Rae Welsh (Wahlgren), 91, of Moline, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2026, at her home at Friendship Manor, Rock Island, Illinois.

Nancy was born on March 30, 1935, in Moline, Illinois, to Raymond and Madeline (Opsomer) Wahlgren. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and graduated from Alleman High School in Rock Island, Illinois.

Nancy shared 65 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Thomas Michael Welsh, until his passing in 2019. Together, they raised five sons and built a lifetime of memories filled with love, laughter, and the occasional chaos that comes with a house full of boys.

Nancy was an extraordinary woman whose kindness, compassion, and genuine acceptance touched countless lives. She had a remarkable way of making everyone feel welcome, understood, and valued. During her years as a teacher's aide in the Moline School District, she was often a safe haven for students who needed encouragement, understanding, or simply someone to believe in them. While generous with her patience and compassion, Nancy also believed in setting high expectations, offering honest guidance, and pushing people to be the best versions of themselves.

Her caring nature extended well beyond her family and the classroom. Nancy was the kind of neighbor everyone hoped to have, always looking out for those around her and treating the neighborhood children as though they were her own grandchildren. Her home and heart were open to everyone, and few people escaped a visit without being sent home with something special, often a freshly baked loaf of her beloved zucchini or banana bread. For Nancy, caring for others was simply a way of life.

Family was always at the center of Nancy's world. She loved to travel, frequently journeying across the country to visit her children, sister, nieces, and other loved ones. Distance never kept her from maintaining the relationships she treasured. She was also the heart behind countless family gatherings, especially her legendary Thanksgiving celebrations, where her exceptional cooking and thoughtful planning brought everyone together. 

Among her family's most cherished traditions were Nancy's unforgettable Thanksgiving bingo games. She spent months carefully collecting the perfect assortment of prizes, from hilarious gag gifts to coveted fishing lures her boys would fiercely compete over. Nancy delighted in the laughter and friendly competition, always finding creative ways to make time together memorable.

Her ability to make ordinary moments extraordinary extended to her grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Whether patiently playing Play-Doh, encouraging their imaginations, or simply spending time together, Nancy made even the simplest afternoons special. She offered the kind of attention, patience, and genuine interest that left children feeling important and loved.An avid reader, Nancy enjoyed a wide variety of books and was known to read an astonishing 175 books a year. She was also a longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Even in her later years, Nancy continued to embrace the friendships and connections that meant so much to her. Moving to Friendship Manor brought the unexpected joy of reconnecting with high school classmates, proving that some friendships—and the memories that come with them—truly stand the test of time.

Nancy expressed her love through thoughtfulness, generosity, and the countless things she did for others. Whether preparing a favorite meal, sharing homemade zucchini or banana bread, planning a family gathering, offering guidance, or finding a reason to make someone laugh, she had a remarkable ability to make people feel cared for.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Tim (Karen) Welsh of Weaverville, North Carolina; Keith Welsh of Moline, Illinois; Chris (Chrissy) Welsh of Port Byron, Illinois; and Joe (Angela) Welsh of Moline, Illinois; her daughter-in-law, Sue Welsh of Clinton Township, Michigan; and her sister, Judy Quinn of Homosassa, Florida.

Nancy was a loving grandmother to Christina Holman, Megan Jordahl, Sara Parker-Metz, Rob Sparkman, and TJ VanAlsburg. She also leaves behind her cherished great-grandchildren, Grace and Blake Holman; Alex Gove; Grace and Sophia Jordahl; Avery Parker and Mason Welvaert; and RJ, Chelsea, Devon, and Maci Sparkman, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Michael Welsh; her son, Mark Welsh; and her parents, Raymond and Madeline Wahlgren.

Nancy's family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Friendship Manor Community for the exceptional compassion, kindness, and genuine affection they showed her throughout her time there, especially in her final days. The family was profoundly touched by the staff members who took the time to visit Nancy, share their appreciation for her, and express just how much she meant to them. Knowing she was not only cared for, but truly loved, brought immeasurable comfort to her family.

A memorial service celebrating Nancy's life will be held at 11 am on November 27, 2026 at Wendt Funeral Home in Moline, Illinois. Family and friends are invited to gather for a luncheon and time of fellowship following the service at a location to be determined soon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Friendship Manor Community in Nancy's honor.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on her memory page at www.wendtfuneralhome.com.