Birth date: Jul 23, 1944 Death date: Dec 13, 2020
Nancy Lee Lilley, 76, of Grand Haven, passed away Sunday December 13, 2020 peacefully at home with family. She was born July 23, 1944 in Grand Haven to John A. and Lillian M. Kowalesky. She graduated from Grand Haven High School Read Obituary
I want you to know Mrs Lilly you had a lasting positive effect on my younger vulnerable years. Thank you for having the patience to help a little girl that was a hot mess and feeling lost. I still remember and always will. It was so long ago but I never forget you.
It was ironic that in about 1966 or thereabouts Tom and Nancy suddenly moved into Spartan Village married housing at MSU just a few units down from Sharon and I. We both had a child so we had much in common. We had many fun card game nights during that year. Than we all moved but reunited in GH about 12 years later topped by a hilarious night with the Lampe's and Lilley's that was a Peking Duck cooking event. The events and laughs that night made it a truly memorable event.
We miss you Nancy!
Henry and Sharon Brolick
I taught Young 5s with Nancy at Elliot School in Grand Haven. Nancy was such a wonderful teacher and instilled the love of learning in her students.. Kindergarten is such an important first step in a child's education. Nancy was always a shining example of being a passionate teacher and brought the best out of her students. I always enjoyed working with her and was so sorry to hear about her passing. I wish your family the best as you work through your loss.
Sincerely,
Sandy Nuyens
Tom II, you will remember me as O'Neil
Dear Nancy, Mom, Nana...
You’re gone now. But you’ll never, ever be forgotten.
Now everything is new in a world without you. We all have to figure it out, without you here. None of us know how we’re going to do it.
You’re not here now..
… to answer the phone, every time we call
… to listen to what’s upsetting us
… to never pass judgement or say a negative word
… to make everyone’s lives better
You’re gone. It’s impossible to think about it. But your energy, life, and spirit is in all of us.
You were the rock we all swirled around. All of us moving up, down, and sideways in the chaos of our lives, but you were always constant. Always there. Listening. Supportive. Loving. No matter what. Without conditions.
We will love and miss you, forever and ever.
- Tom, Christine & Marc, Tommy, Noel & Scott and Cal and Lila
Mrs. Lilley's legacy of caring and dedication to teaching will be with us for many generations. I was in her 1968-69 kindergarten class and still have vivid memories of her kindness. I was fortunate to have such a positive start to my education.
Thomas, Christine, Noel, Thomas II, and families; I send you my sympathies and appreciation.
Tina Dee (née Jones)
Dear Lilley Family,
I am deeply sorry to learn of Mrs. Lilley's death. She meant much to my family, as she was my son's kindergarten teacher and helped him adjust to school. While volunteering at Central School, I often worked next door to the kindergarten room and enjoyed hearing Mrs. Lilley speak to the children in her characteristically engaging and energetic manner. She had a remarkable ability to maintain calm control without becoming angry at unruly students.
The whole community benefits when we have such a fine, caring teacher in our school system.
Sincerely,
Nancy O'Neill
Dear Lilley family, you’ve lost a beautiful woman, mother and friend. Our family grieves with you and sends prayers of love and deepest sympathy. May she be remembered always. The Thayer’s. Eric & Andrea, Steve, Jim & Elizabeth and Rebecca,
Dear Family,
Our sympathy in your great loss.
Nancy was a dedicated, fun, loving, and kind teacher.....her students were fortunate to have her.
God bless all of you and may your many cherished memories bring you comfort.
Mary & Don Heilig
