Nanette Jeanne Drisi (nee Ankarlo), age 90. She was preceded in death by Mohamed Drisi – her best friend and most dearly loved husband of 64 years. Nanette is the loving mother to Ru (Kathleen) Drisi, Cid (Erin) Drisi, Tama (John) Pickford, and Aisha (Keith) Miller. She dearly loved and brimmed with pride over herContinue Reading
Nanette Jeanne Drisi (nee Ankarlo), age 90. She was preceded in death by Mohamed Drisi – her best friend and most dearly loved husband of 64 years. Nanette is the loving mother to Ru (Kathleen) Drisi, Cid (Erin) Drisi, Tama (John) Pickford, and Aisha (Keith) Miller. She dearly loved and brimmed with pride over her grandchildren: Margaret (Ike Grevers) Drisi, Madelyn (Adam Kramer) Drisi, Cara Pickford, Ashley Pickford, Ian Miller, Aidan Miller, Ewan Miller, and extra special great-granddaughter, Davis Kramer.
Born at home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Nanette is the daughter of the late Magnus and the late Leona (nee Newton) Ankarlo. She was the oldest child of five siblings and preceded in death by two of them and their wives: David (Pat) Ankarlo, and Fred (Virginia) Ankarlo. She is survived by her sister Corinne (Richard) Goodrich and brother Walter (Leslie) Ankarlo. Nanette is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, grand-nieces, and grand – nephews – and treasured by all of them.
Nanette lived her very early years in Milwaukee as she had much extended family in the area. When she was young her family relocated to Dolton, Illinois, though she spent many summers visiting with relatives back in Wisconsin. She was a happy and active child. A doer. She helped the family whenever she could, whether watching over her younger siblings or helping catch minnows for her father’s bait shop located behind their home. She was a child of the depression era and grew up to be hard-working, level-headed and resourceful. Nanette worked hard in school and applied for and secured a scholarship to attend the University of Chicago and School of the Art Institute of Chicago. That is where Nanette and Mohamed first met in a drawing class, and as legend has it that first introduction took place during class at Chicago’s Buckingham Fountain. A friendship matured into a deep affection and abiding love, and they married right after graduation on June 14, 1958.
Nanette and Mohamed moved to Eze, France shortly thereafter while Mohamed fulfilled a portrait commission by Princess Grace of Monaco. If you ever asked Nanette about the experience, she had nothing but the fondest of memories of time. Within a year, with the commission completed they returned to Dolton and began their family with the birth of their first son, Ru. Nanette began teaching art education in the local school district, while Mohamed worked on more commissions locally. A year and a half later they welcomed their second son, Cid – and began looking for a more spacious place to live with their growing family. They purchased a small house with a large yard in the old section of Glenwood, Illinois where Nanette founded and taught the first art program in School District 167. With the big yard the family were able to put an addition onto their little house, to make space for their two daughters (Tama and Aisha) who would be born in the late 1960’s.
Nanette continued teaching art classes for District 167 for more than 30 years and went on to become the district art director. During this time Nanette returned to evening and weekend classes to earn an advanced degree in Art Education and Certification in Computer Science Education from Governors State University. Nanette then convinced the school district to invest in a computer science program, again another first in District 167 history. She taught both art classes and computer literacy classes for the Brookwood Junior High School, Brookwood Elementary School, Longwood Elementary School, Brookwood Intermediate School, and Hickory Bend Elementary School.
Over the years Nanette co-founded the Drisi Studio of Fine Art with Mohamed, served on the Glenwood Library Board, held a position on the Glenwood Zoning Commission, and acquired numerous professional memberships. She was a member of the NEA, the Professional Artists Alliance, Allied Artists of America, the Chicago Society of Artists, and a member of the board of directors for The Municipal Art League of Chicago. After retiring from the school district Nanette would go on to take portrait commissions of her own, create cover artwork for Flight Magazine and illustrate a book for young children.
Nanette LOVED her family and its diversity. She loved doing her artwork and was a voracious reader. She enjoyed gardening and knitting among her hobbies. She had a quick wit and an excellent sense of humor. She treasured wildlife, especially the birds and deer that frequented their wooded, sun speckled backyard. Mrs. Drisi was a much-beloved educator and taught three generations of students in some cases. For many she was the favorite teacher of their childhood school days. She was reliable, giving, and loyal – and made many treasured friendships in her life. She used to say that the best way to be remembered is in the stories and good times remembered by others our lives have touched. In this she has been an outstanding success!
Visitation will be on Friday, September 25, from 4-8pm at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN. Funeral services on Saturday, September 26 at 10am at the funeral home. Interment will be at Homewood Gardens Cemetery (Homewood, Illinois) immediately following services. For additional information contact 219-924-3333
To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Nanette J. Drisi, please visit our Tribute Store.
Plant a tree in memory of Nanette
An environmentally friendly option.
An environmentally friendly option.
9 trees were planted in memory of Nanette Drisi 
Jodi Palonis
left a message on September 28, 2026:
What a wonderful woman and my 8th grade art teacher.. She will always be in my heart. You were blessed to have such a wonderful mother.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Nanette Drisi . Plant a Tree
Anonymous
left a message on September 26, 2026:
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Nanette Drisi . Plant a Tree
Edwiges Quiroz
left a message on September 25, 2026:
I loved your strength and wisdom and sense of humor and your love of family and friends. I will miss you greatly.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Nanette Drisi . Plant a Tree
Vickie and Sydney
left a message on September 25, 2026:
Our deepest sympathies. She was such a wonderful lady. She will never be forgotten. Lots of hugs to everyone.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Nanette Drisi . Plant a Tree
Collin, Alyssa, and Charlotte Doherty
left a message on September 25, 2026:
With deepest sympathy & so much love. Were thinking of you & the family & wishing we could be there. May your memories of Grandma bring you comfort.
White Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of Nanette Drisi by Collin, Alyssa, and Charlotte Doherty. Send Flowers
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Susan Fleming-Childs & Jill Fleming-Cislak (Alan)
left a message on September 24, 2026:
Our Condolences to the Family
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Nanette Drisi . Plant a Tree
Gary, Christina and Camden Seavers
left a message on September 23, 2026:
We had sincerely hoped to convey our respects in person. Please accept our heartfelt and deepest condolences during this difficult time of loss.
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Nanette Drisi by Gary, Christina and Camden Seavers. Send Flowers
Gary Seavers
left a message on September 23, 2026:
Although I did not have the privilege of knowing your mother well, she always impressed me as a woman of profound kindness and grace. I can only imagine how deeply generous and devoted she was as a mother and friend, and I hope the enduring memories of her warm guidance bring you comfort and remain with you always.
Lloyd and Jan Hansen
left a message on September 23, 2026:
Sending our thoughts and prayers. Love, Lloyd and Jan Hansen
Blooming Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Nanette Drisi by Lloyd and Jan Hansen. Send Flowers
Anonymous
left a message on September 23, 2026:
To: Aisha, Keith, Ian, Aidan and Ewan, I am so sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace.
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Nanette Drisi by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Davy & Jeannie Ankarlo
left a message on September 21, 2026:
Your love will linger forever in our hearts love Davy & Jeannie Ankarlo family
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Nanette Drisi by Davy & Jeannie Ankarlo. Send Flowers
Te-Yen Liu
left a message on September 21, 2026:
Carol, my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
White Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of Nanette Drisi by Te-Yen Liu. Send Flowers
Dr. Jeffrey Smoot
left a message on September 21, 2026:
Condolences and thank you for being my Art teacher and welcoming me into your home.
Lori Laster
left a message on September 21, 2026:
I never had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Mrs Drisi. My loss. I can tell from the obituary, she lived a full, productive life. Busy with the love of her life, raising her children and sharing her passion for life long learning with multiple generations of the children in her community.
It’s never easy to say goodbye, but her memory will live long with the many she touched.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Show More
×
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Jodi Palonis
left a message on September 28, 2026:
What a wonderful woman and my 8th grade art teacher.. She will always be in my heart. You were blessed to have such a wonderful mother.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Nanette Drisi . Plant a Tree
Anonymous
left a message on September 26, 2026:
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Nanette Drisi . Plant a Tree
Edwiges Quiroz
left a message on September 25, 2026:
I loved your strength and wisdom and sense of humor and your love of family and friends. I will miss you greatly.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Nanette Drisi . Plant a Tree
Vickie and Sydney
left a message on September 25, 2026:
Our deepest sympathies. She was such a wonderful lady. She will never be forgotten. Lots of hugs to everyone.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Nanette Drisi . Plant a Tree
Collin, Alyssa, and Charlotte Doherty
left a message on September 25, 2026:
With deepest sympathy & so much love. Were thinking of you & the family & wishing we could be there. May your memories of Grandma bring you comfort.
White Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of Nanette Drisi by Collin, Alyssa, and Charlotte Doherty. Send Flowers
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Susan Fleming-Childs & Jill Fleming-Cislak (Alan)
left a message on September 24, 2026:
Our Condolences to the Family
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Nanette Drisi . Plant a Tree
Gary, Christina and Camden Seavers
left a message on September 23, 2026:
We had sincerely hoped to convey our respects in person. Please accept our heartfelt and deepest condolences during this difficult time of loss.
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Nanette Drisi by Gary, Christina and Camden Seavers. Send Flowers
Gary Seavers
left a message on September 23, 2026:
Although I did not have the privilege of knowing your mother well, she always impressed me as a woman of profound kindness and grace. I can only imagine how deeply generous and devoted she was as a mother and friend, and I hope the enduring memories of her warm guidance bring you comfort and remain with you always.
Lloyd and Jan Hansen
left a message on September 23, 2026:
Sending our thoughts and prayers. Love, Lloyd and Jan Hansen
Blooming Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Nanette Drisi by Lloyd and Jan Hansen. Send Flowers
Anonymous
left a message on September 23, 2026:
To: Aisha, Keith, Ian, Aidan and Ewan, I am so sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace.
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Nanette Drisi by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Davy & Jeannie Ankarlo
left a message on September 21, 2026:
Your love will linger forever in our hearts love Davy & Jeannie Ankarlo family
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Nanette Drisi by Davy & Jeannie Ankarlo. Send Flowers
Te-Yen Liu
left a message on September 21, 2026:
Carol, my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
White Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of Nanette Drisi by Te-Yen Liu. Send Flowers
Dr. Jeffrey Smoot
left a message on September 21, 2026:
Condolences and thank you for being my Art teacher and welcoming me into your home.
Lori Laster
left a message on September 21, 2026:
I never had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Mrs Drisi. My loss. I can tell from the obituary, she lived a full, productive life. Busy with the love of her life, raising her children and sharing her passion for life long learning with multiple generations of the children in her community.
It’s never easy to say goodbye, but her memory will live long with the many she touched.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
×
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Thank you for leaving a condolence.
Your comment has been submitted for moderation.