Nancy Joan (Johnson) Merkatoris, 86, De Pere, passed away in the early hours of Monday, May 22, 2017, surrounded by family. The daughter of Axel and Martha Johnson was born July 12, 1930. Nancy grew up on the east side of Green Bay near City Stadium, the second youngest of five children. She spent summers on the West Shore of the Bay at the family cottage, where the Johnson Fish Company began. On May 26, 1951, she married Charles Merkatoris in Green Bay. He preceded her in death on November 16, 2010, and her heart was never the same. Besides being the World's Best Mom, Nancy mastered multiple skills, including sewing, needlepoint, painting and building dollhouses. She was an accomplished seamstress, and designed fashionable school clothes for her children throughout the years. Among other things, she created beautiful Christmas stockings and Christmas tree skirts that will be cherished forever. Nancy was a fun, warmhearted, genuine person loved by all who knew her. Above all, she enjoyed time spent with her family celebrating life's simple pleasures. Nancy is survived by her children, Karen (Peter) Carpenter, Keith (Karen) Merkatoris, Jane (Tom) Monahan; grandchildren, Casey Carpenter, Maty and Morgan Merkatoris, Nate Green, Helena and Meghan Monahan; one great granddaughter Emalea. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, parents, siblings, parents-in-law and siblings-in-law. Friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 North Tenth Street, De Pere, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday May 25, 2017. A Service of Remembrance will be celebrated at 7:00 PM to close the evening. A private burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Merkatoris family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established. The family would like to thank the staff at Bellevue Assisted Living for their care over the years, as well as the staff at Unity Hospice for their kindness and compassion in the last eight months. This community is blessed to have such a fine hospice care facility.