Nancy Carolyn Constantine, 85, of Fort Wayne, died unexpectedly at her home of natural causes at 11:28 a.m. Friday, January 13, 2023.

Born on September 26, 1937, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late DeWitt J. and Theresa M. (Cates) Lilly. Growing up in the South Whitley area, she graduated from South Whitley High School in 1955. Her Senior year she proudly wore her tiara after being named the Alumni Queen.

After her first marriage, she moved to North Manchester and raised her family of three children for over 25 years.

Meeting Lyman R. Constantine while working at Sacred Heart in Avilla in the late 1980s, the two wed on January 11, 1990. They made their home in Kendallville, Indiana. Lyman died in 2005. In 2010, Nancy moved to Fort Wayne.

She was a former and active member of the Congregational Christian Church in North Manchester, where she participated in the Dorcas Society and sang in the choir. She also was an avid member of many clubs that included the Jaycees and Tri Kappa. After moving to Kendallville, she attended Trinity United Methodist Church, and after moving to Fort Wayne, Aldersgate UMC.

From an early age she was an avid reader of biographies and history. She liked crossword puzzles and old movies, especially the Thin Man series. She enjoyed the company of her two cats, Nick and Nora, who lived with her for almost twenty years.

Surviving are her children; Lisa A. Boocher Parson (Tony), Lon W. Messmore, both of North Manchester, and Leah J. Messmore Janes (Chris) of Markleville; grandchildren, Ashton D. (Jayme) Boocher of Noblesville, Andon R. (Pam) Boocher of Alexandria, Tressa A. Janes of Indianapolis and Kennedy M. Janes of Markleville, and six great grandchildren.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by brothers James and Paul Lilly.

Friends and family may call Saturday, from 12 p.m to 2 p.m at the Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Columbia City. The funeral service will begin at the conclusion of calling. Burial is at the Nolt Cemetery.

Memorials in her honor are to Riley Children's Hospital or the Whitley County Humane Society.