Eileen Catherine Meunier Besso, "Nan", of Brownsburg, passed peacefully from this life Tuesday, March 23 surrounded by her children and the love of her family. Born on July 23, 1920, the eldest of 6 children, she was married to Ernest P Besso until his passing. Together they had five children- Ernette (Robert), Donald, David, Duane (Barbara), and Elana. Their family grew to include 11 grandchildren (Lisa, Jon, Donna Kay, Tony, Amy, Jennifer, Jamie, Janelle, Branden, Ivan, and Andrea), and 13 great grandchildren (Max, Darren, Demetri, Arianna, Aspen, Anjelikan, Ashfyre, Sara, David, Sean, Aiden, Finnegan & Everett), two great great grandchildren.  Brother Ray Meunier and sister Annetta Logston also survive.  She was preceded in death by brothers Don and Bernard Meunier and sister Wilma Alexander.

A devout Catholic, she could often be seen walking to Mass several days a week. Constantly focused on the wellbeing and care of others, her "holy hugs" were welcomed by all, from local parishioners to the staff at her local grocer. Her signature, patented "Nanny Dance" forever etched in memories as the best "see you later" to ever grace this world  She was well-known for her no-nonsense disposition and her dedication to reminding everyone of "The 3 R's – Respect, Religion, and Responsibility", never quite taking a retirement from instilling those values and others to everyone in her expanding family. She crossed the world more than 30 times visiting "the cousins" in Italy, who lovingly refer to her simply as "Mom". She found great joy in her friends. She was fierce in her love. She was resolute in her beliefs and her convictions. She personified strength in a way that only a woman who has survived the most challenging trials of this world over the long course of more than a century could possess. The grace and dignity she carried steadfastly throughout each of them leaving a bar loftily set to aspire to in her absence.

She leaves behind in those of us who love her small pieces of herself. A great granddaughter that bears her name, a turn of phrase permanently etched into daily conversation, a daily glass of wine for your health, an insatiable wanderlust, a deep seeded anxiety for being late to anything, a perspective on life that can't be unsewn. We miss her presence already, but through these things and others we who love her will carry her memory on with us always. As she always reminded us "it's not goodbye, it's I'll see you later".

Visitation will be from 2-5pm Sunday March 28 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.  Funeral Service Mass will be at 10am Monday March 29 at St. Malachy Catholic Church with burial to follow in St. Malachy Cemetery.