Nancy Marie Friedmann, age 67, of Wheeling passed away Friday, May 29, 2026, at Addolorata Villa surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 20, 1958, in Chicago to the late A. John and Elenore nee Majewski Friedmann. She married the love of her life, Howard Bernstein, on March 27, 2018, in Las Vegas. 

Nancy was a woman of extraordinary kindness, grace, and quiet strength, remembered by many as one of the gentlest and most caring souls they had ever known. Deeply loved and admired, she was the person others continually asked about, checked in on, and held dear. She stood firmly for what was right, showing particular compassion for animals and for those unable to speak or defend themselves.

Beautiful both inside and out, Nancy carried herself with timeless elegance, impeccable style, and natural sophistication. She brought warmth, knowledge, and charm to her work alongside her husband Howard at Olsky Jewelers in Glencoe, where she worked the counter with confidence and expertise.

Nancy found profound joy in the beauty of the natural world. She loved nature, adventure, and the peaceful renewal found outdoors, especially hiking and exploring scenic landscapes. Whether surrounded by family, assisting customers, caring for animals, or walking a quiet trail, Nancy moved through life with compassion, dignity, and an enduring elegance that touched all who knew her. Her memory will remain a lasting blessing and an inspiration to those fortunate enough to have loved her.

Devoted wife of Howard Bernstein. Caring stepmother of Lindsey (Nora) Heidi. Doting grandmother of Elliott and Mae. Loving sister of Jack (Janet Thompson) Friedmann and Jim (Lori) Friedmann. Adoring aunt of Jennifer (Julian Mueller) Friedmann, John Joe (Meg Takagaki) Friedmann, Sarah (Alex Kelly) Friedmann, Dana Friedmann, and Erica Friedmann. Fond great aunt of Charlotte and Graham. Wonderful cousin and lifelong friend of Anne Dailey. Sweet cousin and friend to all she met. She will be missed deeply by her fur baby Molly. The family would like to thank Mary, her caregiver who is more of a friend, Sue who visited her every Monday, and to Mitch who was constantly looking out for Nancy.  

Visitation is Friday, June 5, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. funeral service at Kolssak Funeral Home, 189 S. Milwaukee Ave., (2 Blocks South of Dundee Road) Wheeling, IL 60090. Entombment in Randhill Park Cemetery, Arlington Heights.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Nancy's name to Save-A-Pet at www.saveapetil.org or any pet charity of your choice, or to The Parkinson's Foundation at The Parkinson's Foundation.  

Share a story, post a picture of send a condolence at funerals.pro for additional information please call 847-537-6600.