Nancy Ann Wright, 81, of Yorkville, a gifted writer and editor, who in addition to raising four children, pursued a successful career in radio and public relations, died from complications related to a stroke suffered eight years ago Tuesday, July 22, in her home. The oldest of four children, Mrs. Wright was born in Evanston and raised in Wilmette. She graduated from New Trier High School in 1939 and attended McMurray College for Women in Jacksonville, Ill., for two years. She received a bachelor’s degree in speech and drama from Michigan State University in Lansing in 1943.
After college, Mrs. Wright worked for several years as a writer and editor for several radio stations, including WING in Dayton, WHBF in Rock Island, WSJS in Winston-Salem, WHBF in Allentown, Pa. and WGPA in Bethlehem, Pa.
In 1946, she married George H. Wright, her husband of 57 years. The couple lived in Evanston in the 1940s and 50s, where during that time Mrs. Wright worked for a local radio station and hosted a weekly program called “Women at Work.” “It was an interesting show, and in some ways, very ahead of its time,” her husband said. “She did interviews with high-profile career women, at a time when most women weren’t even employed outside the home.”
The couple later moved to Wilmette, where they lived for 35 years and raised their family. “She really enjoyed being at home and being a mother,” her husband said. “Our kids would only be small for so long and she wanted to enjoy every minute.”
After her children were grown, Mrs. Wright went to work as an editor in the banking and book publishing departments of Rand McNally in Skokie . She later worked as a publicist with the American Hospital Association in Chicago, writing releases for meetings and conventions. She retired 1986. “What made her a good writer was that she had a way with words, but it was her skills as a proofreader that helped her get most of her jobs,” her husband said.
Since 1958, Mrs. Wright had been an active member and Past Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star. Over the years, she served in many other offices, including Grand Lecturer Emeritus, Past Grand Representative, S.D., and was a current member of Lorraine Chapter 70, in Oswego. “She made a lot of friendships through the Eastern Star, and many of these people were like family to her,” said her husband.
Mrs. Wright also enjoyed handicrafts, reading, crossword puzzles and traveling. “She did all kinds of wonderful things with yarn,” said her husband. “She crocheted beautiful blankets for all her children.”
Other survivors include three sons, Lewis , Russell and David ; a daughter, Sunny Lofton; three brothers, Arthur Arms, Richard Arms and John Arms; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, in the Larson-Nelson Funeral Home, 410 E. Countryside Pkwy., Yorkville, with an Order of the Eastern Star service at 7:30 p.m.
