Good by to our Nana

For thirty years I had the coolest, hippest, mother in law that anyone could ask for.

Nancy Ann "Nana" Mika Accardo was born January 7, 1951 in Junction City, Riley County, Kansas and passed away on December 24th 2018 in Beaumont, Texas.

She was preceded in death by both her mother Allie Fay Karr Mika and daughters Tiana Jones and Loretta Sonka

Nancy who was known to all her friends and family as Nana is survived by brother James Mika and wife Kristi, sisters Beth Pickle and husband Hugh, Barbara Livingston and husband Lynn, and four surviving children; Ronetta Riley and husband Greg, Sommer Bailey and husband Tim, Clayton Wright and wife Natasha, Courtney Wright; and son-in-laws Matthew Sonka and Wendell Alston.

Ten Grandchildren; Joni Ramos and husband David, Emily Bailey, Brian Riley, Katie Riley, A.J. Sonka, Angel Wright, Brandon Riley, Carly Austin, Collin Riley and Caleb Wright and great-grandsons, Adrian Ramos and Eisley Bailey. She is also survived by her constant canine companion Buddy who showered her with love. Nancy was very close to her extended family and many friends.

She was raised on a farm in the Peachtree community near Jasper where she lived with her mother, grandparents, and three siblings. She was born a free spirit and lived her entire life "her way." She was very accepting of others and willing to listen to other points of view although she enjoyed a lively debate.

For many years her best friend, partner in crime and co-conspirator was Faye-Carroll Falkner. Faye's untimely death thirty-three years ago left a permanent mark on Nancy, but she never let anyone forget her friend's memory for a moment. The premature deaths of her daughter's Tina and Loretta also made an indelible mark on her.

She earned a Journeymen Welder Certification, and an Associate's degree from Lamar College in 1990.

Nancy worked over twenty years as a ship-fitter and welder at the Bethlehem Shipyard in Beaumont, and on several projects around the Golden Triangle. After her retirement she spent time gardening and many hours researching family genealogy which proved to be a new passion. Nancy loved spending time with her friends and family, and more than anything wanted those around her to be happy.

She was a bright light to all the knew her and she will be greatly missed.

Here is one of her all time favorite performances by Stevie Ray Vaughn.