Nancy Drews (nee Drapcyzk) of Stone Lake, WI, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 86 while on vacation in Myrtle Beach, SC. She left many wonderful memories and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Ronald Drews; her children, Deborah (David) Hegg and Cheryl (Mark) Leatherman; her grandchildren, Melissa Hegg, Andrew (Lauren) Hegg, Jacob Leatherman, and Jamie (fiancé Cody Brown) Leatherman; and her great-grandchild, Benjamin Hegg. She joined her brother, Steve Drapczyk, and her parents, Stephen and Sophia Drapczyk, in Heaven.

Nancy was born on January 15, 1939 in Chicago, IL. She married Ron on November 28, 1959, and became the loving mother of two daughters. She spent most of her career as a librarian and children’s library computer assistant at Devonshire Elementary School in Des Plaines, IL. After retiring, she and Ron moved to their home on Whitefish Lake.

Nancy began volunteering at the Hayward Community Food Shelf in May 2009. Recruited by a neighbor to help during the Post Office food drive, she was hooked. By June 2012, she was elected to the board of directors and served as Vice Chair until 2024. Nancy also was responsible for client registration and computerized HCFS’s statistical reporting. Her attention to detail was a great asset; whenever a document needed to be proofread, she always found a missing comma or a misspelling. A dedicated volunteer, Nancy was at the Shelf almost every Monday morning, greeting clients with respect and compassion.

She was a lover of nature, spending time gardening, feeding hummingbirds, and bird watching on her deck overlooking Whitefish Lake. In prior years, she enjoyed fishing and developed a reputation for being the best walleye catcher on the lake.

Nancy was well known for her cooking. She loved making her famous French toast for her family and making meals with her homemade canned tomatoes. She was also a skilled seamstress, making clothes and household items for her family.

Most of all, Nancy loved spending time with her family. “GramGram” was happiest with a house full of children and grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled for 4-6 pm on March 18th at Bratley-Nelson Funeral Home in Hayward. Burial will be private.

In lieu of sending flowers, please make a canned goods or monetary donation to the Hayward Community Food Shelf. Donations can be sent to the Hayward Community Food Shelf, PO Box 779, Hayward, WI 54843; online at https://www.haywardfoodshelf.net/donations/; or in person Monday mornings at the Food Shelf at 16216W Highway 63S in Hayward.

Last Update: Mar 13, 2025 12:51 pm CDT