Nancy Alt

Nancy (Danca) Alt, 53, passed away unexpectedly on June 22, 2023, due to complications during surgery. 

Nancy was born on March 17, 1970, in Rockford, IL to Vincent and Judith (Dornfeld) Danca. She attended Guilford High School, later transferring to Boylan Catholic High School where she graduated in 1988. Nancy continued her education at Illinois State University where she became a member of Chi Omega Sorority. After leaving Illinois State, Nancy graduated from Seattle University. She went on to earn her master’s degree in education from Rockford College. Nancy’s love of education was exemplified by her involvement with her children’s schools. She worked as a substitute teacher in the Rockton School District, and served as PTO President, member of the Booster Club, and room mom for each of her children’s classrooms. Nancy actively participated in all aspects of her children’s lives; she held positions as their soccer coach and swim coach, two sports she herself enjoyed as a young girl. She became a swim coach with McGuire Aquatic Club, and was part of SwimAmerica, a program that allowed her the opportunity to travel across the world to teach swimming lessons. Nancy was an assistant swim coach of the Boylan boys’ swim team, where she once again was able to coach her two sons. Nancy was extremely proud of her children, especially when they fulfilled her dream of all graduating from prominent SEC schools. In 2016, Nancy reconnected with a high school classmate, John Cacciapaglia, who she would then come to realize was the love of her life. Having grown to love the south from all the visits to her children's colleges, John and Nancy fulfilled her dream and moved to Fairhope, AL in 2020. It was at this time Nancy began volunteer work for Strength and Spine as a Fusion Lifestyle Coach sharing her experience with Scoliosis and providing encouragement and hope to people all over the country. One of the things she most looked forward to was her biannual girls weekends; she cherished these trips deeply and never missed one. Nancy had a passion for the outdoors, spending hours landscaping and taking care of her gardens. She loved animals, having numerous pets throughout her life and a special love for her Gunny Bear and Sampson. To say she loved the beach was an understatement, and there is no doubt that that is where she will be spending her heavenly days.

Nancy is survived by her partner John Cacciapaglia of Fairhope, AL; children Nolan Alt of Nashville, TN, Graham Alt of Mobile, AL, Emery Alt (Jordan Martin) of Belleville, MI; sister Mary Ellen (Mike) Strandquist of Cumming, GA, brother James Danca of Rockford, IL, sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews. Nancy was predeceased by her father Vincent Danca and mother, Judith (Dornfeld) Danca.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of memorial service, 12:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to John Cacciapaglia to be portioned between The National Scoliosis Foundation and her children. 

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