Bartlett

Nola Addante, 59, of Bartlett, IL., formerly of Rochelle, passed away at home on Saturday, July 2, 2022, due to complications from metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Nola was born on May 5, 1963, in Rochelle, Illinois to Emmett and Pauline (Jones) Barnes. She is survived by her mother, Pauline Cultra; two siblings: Pamela (Mark) Bucey and Nora (Ron) Jeter; her three children: Joshua (DeAnn) Mershon, Elizabeth (David) Ferenciak and Stephen Mershon; significant other, Anthony Greco; three beloved grandchildren: Jordan Mershon, Lauren Mershon, and Sarina Ferenciak, and her dog, Chloe. She was predeceased by her father, Emmett Barnes, brother, Brian Barnes, and grandparents.

Nola received her Master's Degree in nursing education in 2010 from the University of Phoenix. She was working on her DNP at Rush University when illness forced her to withdraw. Nola worked various nursing jobs in Rockford throughout the years, with her most recent job as a nursing professor from 2010 to 2020 at Rockford University. During her teaching career, she touched many lives of nurses who carry her teachings with them every day. Throughout the years, Nola also enjoyed being a piano teacher and pianist/organist at several area churches. Her musical and artistic talent showed brightly in her ability to capture real-life moments so perfectly in drawings and paintings given to friends and family. She took upon crocheting during her years as a METAvivor and made many gifts for loved ones as well.

Nola was a bright light to everyone who came across her, not allowing her cancer diagnosis to define her but using her experience to inspire others. Anyone who saw Nola, immediately knew her favorite color was purple, and the color will continue to remind friends and family of her. Her motto in life was "everything happens for a reason" and she truly believed that all through her years battling MBC. She will always be remembered for her infectious smile and fun-loving character that showed through every moment spent in her presence; she was truly the sunshine in our lives.

A memorial service in her honor will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, July 22, 2022 at Steward United Methodist Church, 507 Main St, Steward, IL with Pastor Ilhan You and Pastor Dahlseng officiating. A celebration of life will be held at Baumann Park in Cherry Valley in September; more details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to METAvivor at https://www.metavivor.org/. The Unger-Horner Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.