Amy Nunes Obituary

Nunes, Amy Catherine Boli

Amy could do anything she put her mind to; she just couldn't do everything she wanted to do. She died January 22, 2021 after her final fight with cancer. Yet her love and her generosity remain in the gifts she gave to so many, both tangible and spiritual.

Born January 11, 1960, Amy was the adopted daughter of Mark and Marion (nee Whitacre) Boli, parents she revered and who loved her deeply. She and her brother Andrew were raised all over the United States, ending in southern Massachusetts. She attended Northwestern University where she became a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and met her future husband Marcus at the Evans Scholars house on campus. They married in 1985 and enjoyed more than 35 years of loving partnership, including three children she treasured and nurtured to the very end of her life. She worked for many years as an urban planner for the City of Chicago before focusing on raising her children and civic involvement.

Amy was a fighter, beating back breast cancer more than a decade ago and recovering completely from a dangerous blood disease. But she preferred to be the love builder, the peace bringer and the life giver, and her too-short story is full of examples of each. Amy was also a fighter for her family and her causes. She used her wealth of intellect and talent to bring common sense and conscience to the world. She brought flowers to bloom, beauty to life, and love to the hearts of all who knew her. She was an artist in every form, among them paint, textiles, jewelry, and stained glass. She loved the challenge of every new project. The love of sewing she shared with her mother was in her hands as she made and beaded her own wedding gown. Nearly all of her works were made - with care and attention - as special gifts for others. Her caring nature extended to many, including young women, whom she mentored, and to the animals that she cared for. She served as a board member of the Penedo Charitable Organization and the Gamma Phi Beta Northwestern house board. She selflessly joined her husband in supporting various charities and the arts, including the Evans Scholars Foundation and Victory Gardens Theater.

If you were hurting, confused, scared, or feeling alone, Amy was your sounding board, cheerleader, advisor, lifesaver, and confidante. She quietly took up the troubles of many and helped them move forward, never seeking anything for herself.

Amy leaves behind her husband, Marcus, children Katherine (Derek) Cantu, Marc (Laura) and Alexander (Julia), her granddaughter Gianna and her beloved companion pup Mylie. She is survived by her brother Andrew and those family members she was blessed in later life to build a loving relationship with, including half-sister Marie who was wholly kindred in her heart. She will also be missed by her extended family, including brothers-in-law, Paul (Joan) and Joseph (Wendy) Nunes, and all her nieces and nephews, Courtney, Allyson, and Drew Boli, and Jonathan, Charlotte, Michael, Eva, and Noah Nunes.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, January 29, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W Lawrence Ave, Norridge. A visitation will also be held on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., with a Memorial Mass following at St. Juliana Church, Chicago, at 1:00 p.m. Inurnment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Info: 708-456-8300

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