Nancy Jo Dillon

Nancy Jo Behling Dillon, age 74, of Brooklyn Center, MN passed peacefully from this life to the next on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020. Born and raised in Queens, NYC, she obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Wagner College, Master’s in Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing from the University of Cincinnati, and PhD in Higher Education from the University of Mississippi. Nancy met Robert “Bob” Dillon of Kalamazoo, MI while living in Cincinnati, OH; 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.
Caring and devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, mentor, and friend – Nancy was all these 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 9 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 (APNA) in 2008. She further served on the Advisory Council for People Incorporated, the Hennepin County Adult Mental Health Advisory Council, and the Board of Directors for the Minnesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Nancy was also a pioneering expert on professional boundaries in nursing, presenting her work across the country, in addition to providing consultation through the MN Board of Nursing.
Nancy is survived by husband Bob, son Matthew (Tracy) Dillon of Minnetrista, daughter Caroline “Cassie” Dillon of Minneapolis, her beloved 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 Sept. 2000, as well as sister Barbara Goffin in Oct. 2011.
Nancy will be cremated and interred in the columbarium at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Memorial service to 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