Nancy Jo Behling Dillon

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Nancy Jo Behling Dillon, 74, of Brooklyn Center, MN, passed peacefully from this life to the next on Sunday, December 13, 2020. Born and raised in Queens, NY, she obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Wagner College, a Master’s in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing from the University of Cincinnati, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Mississippi. Nancy met Robert “Bob” Dillon of Kalamazoo, MI while living in Cincinnati; they married in 1974. Following a two-year stint in Jackson, MS, Nancy and Bob headed north to Minnesota in 1983, purchasing the home where they have lived ever since.

Nancy was a caring and devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, mentor and friend. She was all those things and more to so many people. Both feisty and incredibly funny, her bright smile and welcoming nature helped everyone feel at ease. Her passions included singing, reading, gardening and volunteering, especially through the Free Store at Central Lutheran Church. There are not enough words to express what a loving, special, wonderful and amazing person Nancy Dillon was. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Credentialed as an Adult Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nancy was a tireless advocate for individuals experiencing mental illness. She spent 20 years serving veterans at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, followed by nine years as nurse executive for the Minnesota Department of Human Services – State Operated Services administration, along with various appointments as a clinical nursing instructor at the University of Minnesota. 

An exceptional and recognized leader in her field, Nancy was awarded for excellence in nursing by the American Psychiatric Nurses Association in 2008. She further served on the People Incorporated Advisory Council, the Hennepin County Adult Mental Health Advisory Council and the National Alliance on Mental Illness Board of Directors for the Minnesota chapter. Nancy was also a pioneering expert on professional boundaries in nursing; she presented her work across the country while also providing consultation through the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Nancy is survived by husband Robert, son Matthew (Tracy) Dillon of Excelsior, daughter Caroline “Cassie” Dillon of Minneapolis, grandchildren Owen and Carlye, and sister Jill Padua of Narrowsburg, NY. She is preceded in death by parents George Christel “Chris” Behling in April 2000 and Myrtle “Mickey” Carolina Henning Behling in September 2000, as well as sister Barbara Goffin in October 2011.

Nancy will be cremated and interred in the columbarium at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Memorial service will be held once it is safe for family and friends to gather in person for a true celebration of her life. Please send donations in Nancy’s honor to NAMI Minnesota, 1919 University Ave. W., Suite 400, St. Paul, MN 55104.

“Promise me you’ll always remember: you’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think” – Milne

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