Nancy Jean Werkman

Nancy Jean (Blacketer) Werkman, age 82, of Gallatin, TN passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 20, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to John William Blacketer and Florence Catherine Blacketer. She grew up in Homewood, Illinois, alongside her brother, Jack Blacketer, and carried with her the values of family, compassion, and resilience throughout her life.

While working at Sherwin-Williams in Chicago, Nancy met the love of her life, Duane T. Werkman. Together they built a beautiful life and shared a marriage of 61 years, raising their family with love, devotion, and faith.

Nancy dedicated her career to helping others as a paramedic (Medic #4) in Beecher, Illinois, where her care and dedication made a lasting impact on the community. Outside of work, she expressed her creativity as an avid seamstress, sewing with love and skill for family and friends.

Above all, Nancy cherished her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Duane; her daughters, Susan Corasio and Stacy Buzako; her beloved grandchildren, Kara Palumbo, Rachel (Jesse) Mena, Kristina Palumbo, Anthony Palumbo, Payton Buzako, Jaiden Buzako, Jackson Buzako, and Prestyn Buzako; and her precious great-granddaughter, Kiara Mena. She will also be remembered fondly by many extended relatives and friends.

Nancy will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and generosity of spirit. She will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends for Nancy at the Hermitage Funeral Home on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. A Celebration of Nancy's Life will follow in the Tulip Grove Chapel at the funeral home at 12:00pm. Following the service, Nancy will be laid to rest in the Mausoleum in the Garden of Rachel at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.

If you would prefer to make a donation in lieu of flowers, a cause dear to Nancy's heart was "While We're Waiting", an organization that ministers to families that have lost children, knowing it will be years before they are reunited again. (https://whilewerewaiting.org/donate/). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Werkman family at HermitageFH.com.