Nancy Mieling

On August 19th, the vibrant energy of Nancy Bixby Mieling, age 76, of Lake Forest, moved forever from her body to the hearts of those who knew and loved her. 

Nancy, known as Bix to those closest to her, will be remembered as a loving spouse and mother, a friend with and open ear, a committed community member and the best darn grandmother a kid could ever have. 

Born in 1950 in Chicago, Illinois, Nancy always struck her own path, making her own clothes, traveling to New Zealand as an exchange student and heading off to the University of Illinois to study. 

It was at U of I, over Oblomov in the back of Russian Literature, that Nancy first got to know the love of her life, Terry Mieling. They married a year before she graduated and, in lieu of gifts, asked for contributions to their honeymoon fund to backpack through Europe. 

After trying her hand as a small scale hog farmer and California beach bum, in 1987 Nancy and Terry settled with their two boys in Lake Forest. Over nearly 40 years, Nancy made an indelible impact on the Lake Forest community through her committed volunteerism and engagement. During different phases Nancy contributed tirelessly to Boy Scouts of America Northeast Council, Lake Forest High School PALS, Ragdale Foundation, First Presbyterian rummage sale and Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Artisan Guild.

Perhaps her most cherished contribution was to the Friends of Lake Forest Library, where for more than 25 years Nancy co-organized the Annual Book Sale, growing it year over year.

 At home, Nancy baked bread, tended a beautiful woodland garden, and kept a basement full of toys for her four grandchildren. She and Terry traveled globally, and she held a special place in her heart for her favorite destination, Greece. She never shied away from an adventure even climbing a 100-foot-tall Douglas fir at age 73. Nancy truly lived life to the fullest. 

She will be forever missed by her husband Terry, sons and daughters-in-law, Jon, Kindree, Colin and Ariel, grandchildren Katherine, Ray, Ellsworth and Emerson and brothers Roger and David Bixby. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Friends of Lake Forest Library. 

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options, Schiller Park, IL, 60176