Stella P. Nickey, 90, of Springfield died on October 29, 2021 (just one month shy of her 91st birthday) following a heart attack at Sherman Villa Senior Care Community. She was born November 29, 1930 in Springfield, IL to Arthur G. and Adeline (DeMarco) Perganson. She married Harry (Bud) W. Nickey III August 31, 1952, and he preceded her in death on June 1, 2016.
She is survived by one daughter, Michelle (Missy) D. Tebrugge (husband Dave) of Petersburg; one granddaughter Lindsay N. Tebrugge of Springfield; one grandson Ryan D. Tebrugge of Petersburg; one great-granddaughter Leah N. Maxa of Petersburg; several first and second cousins of Springfield and one cousin of Irvine, California.
She is preceded in death by her parents and one beloved sister, Adrienne Perganson.
Stella retired from the State of Illinois’ Department of Revenue after 20 years of service. Prior to the birth of her daughter, she worked at Central Illinois Public Service (CIPS) (later known as Ameren) for 10 years.
She loved talking on the phone to her sister well past midnight, ballroom dancing, and attending The Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan to see all of the various summer stock productions. She also enjoyed watching championship ice skating, as well as the classic musicals (especially those with tap dancing) and comedies staring Doris Day, Rock Hudson, and Gary Grant. However, her favorite pastime was to watch her beloved soap operas, General Hospital and One Life to Live. Along with her husband, she provided a loving and caring home to many rescues and stray dogs and cats throughout the years.
Memorial Gathering: Thursday, November 4 from 9:30 – 10:30 am at Bisch Funeral Home West – Springfield, with funeral service following. Burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, Illinois 62702 or to your favorite animal rescue group of Central Illinois.
