Knowles, Nancy Welch Nancy Welch Knowles passed away on August 26, 2017 at the age of 86. She was born on November 23, 1930 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. She was an accomplished businesswoman and internationally recognized philanthropist who was distinguished by her excellent business practices and commitment to health care and the arts. She was a member of the Lyric Opera Board of Directors and a member of the Executive Committee. She was retired as Chairman of the Board of Knowles Electronics, Inc., which is a world leader in the sub-miniature electronic hearing instrument technology and is the largest manufacturer of microphones in the world. Nancy served on the Loyola University Medical Center Board of Directors and was bestowed with the 2008 Sword of Loyola. Ms. Knowles was a Trustee of the International Shakespeare Globe in London, England, which houses the Nancy Knowles Theater, also known as "The Little Nancy Theater." Nancy had been a member of the American Heart Association of Metropolitan Chicago Women's Council, The Chicago Zoological Society Women's Board, and served on the Board of the Boy Scouts of America. She was honored by the National Hearing Aid Foundation with the Appreciation for Work Done Award. Ms. Knowles was the President of The Knowles Foundation, which supports arts and cultural programs, higher education, healthcare, and speech and hearing centers. She attended St. Mary's College of Notre Dame and later received her B.A. degree in languages from the University of Iowa. She worked as a translator for many years after graduation. She enjoyed traveling, being with friends, wintering at her home in Jupiter Island, Florida, and enjoyed summers at her home in Hinsdale, Illinois. She was predeceased by her parents, Catherine and Fred Knowles; her sister, Joan (Alan) Joseph; and her husband, Hugh S. Knowles. She is remembered with love by Hugh's children, Margaret and Katherine; her niece, Nancy (David) Hill, and their children, Nikki and Nathan Hill; eight step-grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of Nancy's favorite charities: Lyric Opera of Chicago, Loyola Medical Center, Elmhurst Memorial Hospital or Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. A Funeral will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 64 Norfolk Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL. The Lyric Opera will perform at 10:15 a.m. followed by a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass. Interment to follow at Mount Emblem Cemetery, 520 E. Grand Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. "Nancy was one of Lyric Opera's most enthusiastic and devoted supporters. Her smile, friendliness and her optimism will never be forgotten." -- Allan B. Muchin, Chairman Emeritus, Lyric Opera of Chicago Board of Directors.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Aug. 29, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Knowles

Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.

16 Entries

Maria Melnyk

August 20, 2023

I recently found out about the passing of this wonderful woman. My mother Olga Melnyk worked for Knowles Electronics for almost 25 years. I worked there for four Summers and Christmas holidays while attending college. I knew Mr. Hugh Knowles well and the original Mrs. Knowles, Josephine. I remember the company Christmas parties and the company picnics. Then I got to know Nancy. She was very kind to all of us. She knew everyone by name. She was a friend to all of us, even to us college students. The last two times I saw her were at Mr. Knowles' funeral and at the company's 50th Anniversary. What a grand event that was! I have many pleasant memories of working at Knowles. I worked in the Personnel Department and knew all the office people by name, and I knew the factory people from childhood through my mother.
May Mrs. Nancy Knowles and Mr. Hugh Knowles and Mrs. Josephine Knowles rest in peace.

Michelle Caffrey

September 15, 2022

I worked for Knowles Electronics for the first seven years of my career. I knew Nancy and Hugh and counted them as dear friends.

Debbie Bowbin

August 23, 2022

I am sure Nancy has been missed by many people. She was such a joy to be around.

September 6, 2017

I was so saddened to hear of Nancy's Passing. I had just spoken to her the prior week, which I am so happy that I did. She sounded in good spirits which makes me happy. I have known her 20 plus years. I am sad that she is no longer with us, but happy she is in a better place. I will miss her!
Carolyn Hoffman

Estella Sanders

September 1, 2017

I am sad to hear about the passing of Ms. Nancy Knowles. I'm so glad I got to meet Ms. Knowles, several times when she visited the hospital as well as her attendance at the annual EMHC Foundation Gala. She was a very warm and kind person,always showing consideration and awareness of the need to giving back for a worthy cause. She did a good service for the health community and will be missed. My sincere condolescences to the Knowles Family.

Mrs. Thomas

September 1, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May your hearts be made firm by the God of all comfort and he give you peace beyond human ability. (Philippians 4:6,7,13)

Gene Ring

August 30, 2017

I'm so grateful for the privilege of having known Nancy during my 30+ years of working at Knowles, and saddened by the news of her passing. Along with Hugh, she was always the considerate, caring, and thoughtful face of a team which held all employees in high regard. Reading of all her accomplishments, I am impressed anew with the story of an extraordinary life well-lived.

American Heart Association

August 29, 2017

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Paul Dayton

August 29, 2017

My condolences for your loss. I worked for Knowles for 39 years. I always found Nancy a very sharp mind and a very kind, considerate person. She is missed.

Paul Dayton

Bonnie Werrbach

August 29, 2017

"So sorry for your loss! Such an amazing woman! She was loved by many."

August 29, 2017

I worked for Knowles for 45 years before retiring in 2015. I remember both Hugh and Nancy with many fond memories. She was a wonderful lady who was well liked by many people. She will be missed, but I am sure she is smiling in heaven with her good friend Delores Rapp.

Susana Milic

August 29, 2017

My condolences, so sorry for your loss.

Laura Bertolini

August 29, 2017

Nancy was a lovely lady and I will always remember her smile, warmth, generosity, and the best laughs on the golf course. I work for Knowles 39 years now and the best part of my career are the days when Nancy and Hugh led the company. I will always treasure the memories of such a fine family owned business and all they gave to their employees. God Bless You Nancy.

Debbie Bowbin

August 29, 2017

I am sorry for the loss of such a great woman. My husband (Richard Bowbin worked for Knowles for over 30years but he passed
retired here in Florida 2012. I also worked for Knowles for 24 years and had
gotten to know Nancy because of her friendliness and her generosity to all the employees. I will never forget her.

Shari Klein

August 29, 2017

I am so very sorry for the lost of a great women! My husband worked for knowles for 26 years before he passed.

Bill Rapp

August 29, 2017

You have joined our mother and your dear friend Dolores Rapp in heaven. She loved all the time you spent together and the Rapp Family is forever grateful for all of your generosity and kindness through our mothers final years.

Sincerely,

The Rapp Family.

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