Nancy Freehafer

Nancy Freehafer was a lover of words, song, books, nature, and communities. Born in 1939, she grew up in the Dayton, Ohio area as one of two children. She attended college at Denison University and eventually earned an MAT from Harvard. She married T.T. Chen. She was a stepmother to T.T.’s children, David, Luke, and Rosie. She worked in Chicago for DePaul University as Director of the Student Writing Lab and a teacher of Nature Writing and Environmental Literature. For most of her time in Chicago, she lived in the Logan Square neighborhood, where she had an extensive native plant and vegetable gardens. She and T.T. built a log cabin on property in southern Wisconsin, and vacationed there for many years, nurturing a prairie and old oaks on their land. She was a passionate volunteer throughout her life, championing causes that were important to her, beginning with anti-war activities in the 60’s, and continuing with feminist and environmental causes later in life. She was active for many years with the North Branch Restoration Project, a volunteer group that stewards prairies, savannas, and woodlands on Cook County Forest Preserve land along the North Branch of the Chicago River. She was the co-founder of Seeding the Snow, a journal of women’s nature writing and artwork; the journal was published twice a year and sponsored events which celebrated female creativity and connection to nature. Nancy loved music and song. She frequently attended concerts with student musicians at DePaul University. She was part of a community chorus, the Bullfrogs, that performed at neighborhood events such as equinox and solstice celebrations as well as other local venues. She cofounded a neighborhood book club that continues to this day, reading books on climate change and environmental justice. After she moved to The Breakers in 2023, she expressed her love of words by joining the Poetry Club there. She also dedicated herself to organizing a choir with other residents, which is ongoing. They performed a well-attended holiday concert last year. She is survived by her nephew, William, her great nieces and nephews Anna, Audrey, and Grayson as well as many friends who loved her. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

Nancy Freehafer

November 17, 1939 - December 24, 2025