Nancy Louise Schmalzer's Obituary
Nancy Louise Schmalzer, age 94, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2024 at The Poppen Residence of Harbor Hospice. She was born October 1, 1930 in Muskegon to William and Margaret (Houle) Smith and was a lifelong resident of the area. Nancy married William “Bill” Schmalzer on October 23, 1954 in South Bend, IN and he preceded her in death on September 2, 2016. She worked 17 years as a secretary for Porter Steel & Welding and retired in 1989. Prior to that, Nancy also owned and operated her own business as a seamstress. She was an active member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church where she volunteered with the Women’s Guild and the Altar Guild. Nancy was a member of the Muskegon County Garden Club. Nancy loved flower and vegetable gardening, reading, knitting, playing bridge with her club and cooking. Survivors include 4 children, Linda McKendry of Norton Shores, Ruthan (Gil) Schmitt of Phoenix, AZ, Fred (Lee Ann Rounds) Schmalzer of Apopka, FL, Joan (Larry) Cioffi of Denver, NC; 11 grandchildren, Heather McKendry Lee, Shannon (Les) Figgins, Sean McKendry, Andrew (Ashley) Schmitt, Reid (Heather) Schmitt, Tate Schmitt, Hillary (fiancé, William McNally) Schmalzer, Mitchell Schmalzer, Laura (Alex) Advani, Julie (Zach) Strong, Michael (Abby) Cioffi; 12 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister-in-law, Barbara Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Schmalzer; 1 son-in-law, John McKendry; her parents, Bill and Margaret Smith; sisters, Doris Lips, Frances Brash; and brothers, William Smith, Don Smith, and Jack Smith. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Friday, October 25, 2024 in the Marian Chapel of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church (2929 McCracken St, Norton Shores, MI 49441) with Rev. Steve Geerling presiding. Visitation will be held 6-8 PM Thursday with the Rosary prayed at 7:00 PM Thursday at The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd, Muskegon, MI 49441. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the Mass Friday in Marian Chapel at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. Entombment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be directed to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church Memorial Fund or The Poppen Residence of Harbor Hospice. Sign the online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com
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