Nancy J. Jezek Woolford, 78, of Pensacola, Florida, and formerly of Salem, IL., died on Sept. 17, 2026.

She was born on June 2, 1948, in Salem, Il., the daughter of Edward and Jane Jezek. She married Calvin L. “Bill” Woolford on January 29, 1977, at Alma Christian Church in Alma, Il., and he preceded her in death.

Nancy lived a life centered on faith, family, and community. She was a devoted and longtime member of Alma Christian Church and Buckhead Ridge Christian Church in Okeechobee, Fl. Nancy and her husband, Bill, were the longtime owners and operators of Woolford-Marsh Appliance, serving customers throughout Salem and Centralia, Il. 

Through their many years in business, they became familiar and trusted members of the communities they served. Nancy expressed her love for others in many ways, especially through the things she made and shared. Her amazing coconut cream pies and cookies were family favorites and will be fondly remembered by everyone fortunate enough to enjoy them. She also made blankets for nearly every member of the family, leaving each of them with something warm and lasting by which to remember her. In her free time, Nancy could often be found with a fishing pole in her hand. She, Bill, and her father, Ed, spent countless hours fishing from Nancy and Bill’s home in Okeechobee. Nearly every family member and many friends made their way to Florida to fish and spend time with them there, creating treasured memories that will remain an important part of Nancy’s legacy. Fishing and bowling brought Nancy happiness and gave her many opportunities to spend time with others, especially her family.

During her final years, Nancy’s caring and generous spirit could be seen in the time she spent visiting residents at an assisted living facility in St. Augustine, Fl. She offered them friendship, companionship, and the comfort of knowing someone cared. Above all, Nancy treasured her family, and perhaps the greatest joy of her life was being a grandmother. Her devotion to her grandchildren was reflected in the many ways she was present in their lives—from cheering them on at soccer and lacrosse games and attending school events to preparing team dinners and sharing special moments over games of Bingo and Sequence. She enjoyed sharing her love of fishing with them and passing on a pastime that had brought her so much happiness throughout her own life. Whether celebrating special occasions, gathering around the table, or simply enjoying everyday moments together, the time she shared with her grandchildren remained close to her heart.

Nancy will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her generosity, and, most of all, the unwavering love and devotion she gave to her family. She is survived by her daughter, Jaime Ndandu and husband Zola; five grandchildren, Mahaniah, Lukengo, Lemba, and Iman Ndandu, all of Florida, and Katie (Woolford) Franke and husband Jacob of Michigan; one great-grandson, James (Jamie) Franke; brother, Bret Jezek and wife Patricia, of Illinois; sisters, Brenda Rose and husband Don, of Kentucky, Lu Ann Petri, of Missouri, and Amy Jezek, of Illinois; her very special aunt, Vera Jezek; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Jezek Farm, 6436 Jezek Road, Salem, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Alma Christian Church in Alma.