Nancy L. Machain

Nancy Lewis Machain, age 78 of New Palestine, IN passed away at 4 pm on Monday, April 11th after a courageous battle with cancer; with her family by her side.  Nancy was born May 26, 1943 in Indianapolis, IN to parents, Robert and Margaret “Ann” (Bowman) Lewis.  Nancy grew up in Fountaintown, IN graduating from Morristown High School in 1961.   After attending Indiana Business College she went on to accomplish two years at Purdue University before completing her A.S. degree from Harper College, in Palatine, IL, while raising a family and working full-time in 1981.

Living most of her adult life in the Chicagoland area, Nancy worked for the Barrington Police Department for 26 years, retiring as the secretary for the Chief of Police.  A devoted wife, mother and grandmother first and foremost, she valued and protected long-standing family traditions while implementing new ones.  Nancy loved life, and her sense of humor brought people together.  She loved entertaining, cooking, gardening, decorating, sewing, playing games, golfing, traveling, and music.  She sang with the Festival Chorus in the Chicagoland area for over 20 years where she met Joe Machain, whom she had been married to since 1993.  When she moved back home to New Palestine, IN over 15 years ago she sang with the Greenfield Community Choir, was a member of Tri-Kapa, and golfed in a couple’s league with Joe and a women’s league on a regular basis.

Nancy will remain in the hearts of her family and friends and is survived by her husband, Joe Machain; her daughter, Pam (Sean) Cashman; and her granddaughter, Lily Cashman of Louisville, KY; brother, Bob (Jane) Lewis of New Palestine, IN; nieces, Katherine (Kirk) Davis of Maplewood, MN, Susan Carlin of New Richmond, WI; nephews, Michael (Kimberly) Webb of Hammond, WI, Slade (Kristin) Lewis of Chicago, IL, Bart (Sarah) Lewis of New Palestine, IN; along with other relatives and dear friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Margaret Ann Webb.

A celebration of life gathering will be held on Saturday, May 21st from 2pm – 4 pm at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East, 10722 E. Washington St., Indianapolis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Nancy’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society or Indianapolis Symphony.