Nancy Lee Lilley's Obituary
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 in 1962 and the passing of her father her senior year strengthened her desire to pursue higher education. She attended Michigan State University where she earned advance degrees in teaching including a master’s in education. Her mantra for lifelong success was always “education, education, education.”
Her dream from early childhood was to teach Kindergarten, which she did very successfully for 35 years at Central School in Grand Haven, retiring in 2001. She provided a refuge of love, joy and learning for over eighteen hundred students. Her passion for teaching and love for her students grew into their adoration for her. She wanted every child to love school as much as she did and looked forward to seeing their smiles when they entered her classroom.
She married Thomas, her high school sweetheart in Grand Haven and they have celebrated over 50 wonderful years of marriage. Nancy enjoyed family vacations to Mackinaw Island for over 20 years. Annual gathering in East Lansing with extended family for Michigan State football games was also a favorite. She was especially fond of her grandchildren who had a very special place in her heart.
Nancy will be forever missed by her husband, Thomas; daughter, Christine Lilley (Marc Hoeksema) of Norton Shores, daughter, Noel McKinley (Scott) of Mill Valley California, her son, Thomas Lilley II of Spring Lake and grandchildren Callahan and Lila McKinley, Paige Lilley, her sister, Susan Hill of Grand Haven and brother, Dan Kowalesky (Cindy) of Perrinton, MI.
The family had a private service. In lieu of flowers please donate to Grand Haven Schools Foundation, in honor of Nancy Lilley. Your donation to GHFS will help to ensure 3 and 4 year olds will start kindergarten ready for success. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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