Nancy Lee Gerard, 82, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
Born on August 17, 1943, in Granite City, Nancy was the cherished daughter of the late Steve and Rosilee (Parker) Segedy.
On June 20, 1964, Nancy married Robert Gerard, the love of her life, in Granite City, after they met in their jobs at First National Bank in St. Louis. Together they shared 42 wonderful years of marriage until Robert’s passing on September 20, 2006. Nancy was a faithful, lifelong member of First United Presbyterian Church in Granite City, and worked in the community at Leader Department Store and Guardian Savings Bank. She embraced life’s simple pleasures with gratitude and joy. She enjoyed watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball and her favorite soap opera, General Hospital, and found happiness in feeding the birds and squirrels that gathered outside her home.
Above all else, Nancy’s greatest blessing was her family. She was a loving mother, sister and an extraordinarily proud grandmother whose life revolved around the people she loved most. Whether it was a sporting event, school program, recital, or special milestone, Nancy was always there with a smile, endless encouragement, and unconditional love. Her grandchildren were truly the light of her life, and nothing brought her greater happiness than supporting them and spoiling them every chance she had. Her gentle spirit, generous heart, and unwavering love created memories that will be treasured forever.
In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Nancy was preceded in death by her brothers, Harry Segedy and Steve Segedy.
She is survived by her loving children, Alan (Lisa) Gerard of Norman, Oklahoma, and Cynthia (Rich) Franklin of Granite City, Illinois; her dear sister, Lucille Trittschuh; her cherished grandchildren, Amanda Gerard, Wesley Gerard, Jonathan (Phajja) Franklin, and Ethan Franklin; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Irwin Chapel in Granite City.
A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Irwin Chapel in Granite City. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Robert, at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon, Illinois.
Memorial donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House of St. Louis. Donations will be accepted at the funeral chapel or can be made online at this link. https://rmhcstl.org/.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.
