Nancy (Sullivan) Bechard

Our mother, Nancy “Nannee” (Tinkler-Sullivan) Bechard, died peacefully on Friday, July 31, 2015 under the loving care of the staff at Mercy Villa where she had been in declining health this past year.
A “New Year’s Baby”, Nancy was born to Bob and Virginia Tinkler on January 1, 1937. She attended St. Agnes Grade School and was a 1954 graduate of Agnes High School. After attending college for a year, she married her high school sweetheart, Michael Sullivan. Shortly after their wedding, they were stationed in Honolulu for the first year of their 50 year-long marriage. After dad’s death, mom married a longtime family friend, Wayne Bechard in 2010. Between her children, Shelly, Sarah, and Tink and their spouses, and his two sons, Michael and Johnny, she was blessed with 14 grandchildren whom she treasured and adored. Her baby brother, Robert, died shortly after birth, and having all of these children and grandchildren gave her the big family she always wanted.
Mom had many jobs throughout her life. In the mid-50’s, with a gift for creative writing, she was hired by the new TV station in town, KYTV, to write commercials. Soon after, with a petite frame, bright red hair, and last name Tinkler, she was put in front of the camera as “Tinkerbell the Weather Gal” for the noontime news program. She stayed in broadcasting for years working for KMTC television and KTXR and KWTO radio, which were all very exciting places to be, especially during the years of the Ozark Mountain Jubilee when she met many country music stars who were launching their careers. She also worked at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Burrell Center, and Lakeland Hospital.
Nancy loved her hometown of Springfield, and only missed the Ozark Empire Fair twice since childhood. She had passion for writing and making people laugh. She always said that her models in life were the Blessed Mother, Erma Bombeck and Hallmark’s “Maxine”. Quite a combination!
The biggest joy of her life was fulfilled at St. Agnes Cathedral where for almost 15 years she led the Seniors Unlimited in “praying and playing” together. In mom’s heart every day deserved celebration, every event should include ‘fabulous” prizes, and every situation had a silver, sometimes humorous, lining. Even when these last several years left her misunderstood by many, she kept trying her best to touch lives with her big heart, beautiful smile, and giving spirit. She was a woman of faith devout believer, and was never without her rosary. Please know that before she left this world, she said she would pray for all of us. Please remember Nannee in yours.
Visitation will be from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday August 4, 2015 in Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut St., with Rosary services starting at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home.
Mass of Resurrection will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2015 in St. Agnes Cathedral.
Permanent online condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.