Nancy Ellen Gembala

Nancy Ellen Gembala, age 79, of Rensselaer, Indiana passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 15th 2023 with her family by her side. Born on November 2, 1943 to Noble and Bessie (Popp) Flinn, Nancy was a lifelong resident of Rensselaer. A 1962 graduate of Rensselaer Central High School, she attended Methodist Hospital School of Nursing and earned a Registered Nursing degree in 1965. Nancy worked at the former Jasper County Hospital on the third floor for many years until she was appointed director of the newly formed Home Health Care and Hospice Department in 1985. She truly believed in the need for home health care and hospice services. This passion led her to earn her BS in Nursing from St. Joseph’s College in 1990. After making an ever-lasting impact on many families and the community and earned the respect of her employees, Nancy retired after 35 years as Director in 2012 and continued as a Hospice and SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) volunteer for many years. On June 4, 1966, Nancy married her loving husband Matthew Gembala Jr., who proceeded her in death on February 1, 2006. Nancy loved her children dearly: Deborah Gembala (Rensselaer) Joseph Gembala of Rensselaer, Christine (Matthew) Louck of Brownsburg, IN and Andrew Gembala of Rensselaer. She would light up when visiting with her grandchildren Hollison Gembala, Shelby Gembala and Nathan Louck and great-grandchildren Brooklyn Steele and Aliyah Steele. Known as “G” to her grandkids, she would listen, without judgement, to anything they might share. Nancy also loved puzzles, playing games (but could never win at chess), travel and reading. She treasured time with her many friends. Nancy is also survived by her sister, Sharon (Phil) Lewis of Rensselaer. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Matthew and brothers, David Flinn and John Flinn. Friends may call at Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church at 1:00 PM with Father Joshua Bennett officiating. An inurnment will take place following the Mass at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Rensselaer. Memorial contributions in Nancy name may be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church.

Nancy Ellen Gembala

November 2, 1943 - March 15, 2023