Nancy Ann VerMerris' Obituary
Nancy Ann Heronimus VerMerris completed the final chapter of her earthly story on April 14, 2025, in Fruitport, Michigan. She was born in Grand Rapids to Calvin and Lorraine Heronimus. Nancy graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School and attended Calvin College for two years before earning a degree in biology from Wheaton College in 1968. She then moved to New York City, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Columbia University in 1970. In 1971, Nancy married Dean Rau, whom she met at Columbia. Their journey together took them from New York City to Anchorage, Alaska, and later to Willmar, Minnesota. They had two children, David and Lyssa. After their divorce, Nancy returned to West Michigan and earned a Nurse Practitioner degree in Women’s Health from Grand Valley State University.
In 1996, at age fifty, she married her high school sweetheart, Dave VerMerris. Together, they shared 29 joyful years filled with weddings, grandchildren, travel, and countless cherished adventures.
Soon after completing her degree at GVSU, Nancy became the Director of Student Health at Calvin College, a role she held for 13 years. During her tenure, she led the design and relocation of the student health center from a dormitory basement to its current home in the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex. Although an introvert who cherished quiet time, books, and nature, Nancy stepped outside her comfort zone in this leadership role. She was a strong advocate for others who preferred life behind the scenes.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her younger sister Rebecca, and former brother-in-law Ron Verduin.
Nancy will be deeply missed by her devoted husband, Dave; her sister Jackie and her cousin Cyndi in Colorado; her son David (Angie) Rau and stepson Lennon Gildea in Middleville; her daughter Lyssa (Tyson Hulbert) Rau and stepdaughter Kaelyn Hulbert in Dupont, Washington; and her stepchildren Mark (Sarah) VerMerris in Grand Rapids, Kristin (Cory) Clausing in Grand Haven, and Jonathan (Kimberly) VerMerris in Annapolis, Maryland; and sister-in-law Kathy (Paul) Riewald in Gallatin, Tennessee.
She was a beloved grandmother to Julia Rau, Tyler VerMerris, Megan VerMerris, Isaac VerMerris, David Clausing, Jonathan Clausing, Nathan Clausing, Caleb Clausing, Chloe VerMerris, and Carter VerMerris. Each grandchild adored her and had a special relationship with her.
Nancy was a lifelong learner, endlessly curious and deeply interested in others' stories. She encouraged her family and friends to explore, grow, and embrace new experiences. A loyal confidante and loving friend, Nancy also cared deeply for the environment, animals, and those in need. Her compassionate nursing skills were a constant blessing to her family.
VISITATION will be held from 2-5 PM Sunday, April 27, 2025 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 and one hour prior to her service on Monday at First CRC in Grand Rapids. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will take place 1:00 PM Monday, April 28, 2025 at First Christian Reformed Church (651 MLK Jr. ST SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507). Those wishing to honor Nancy’s memory may consider donations to: Grand Haven Christian School, The Harbor Hospice Foundation, Kirtland Warbler Alliance, or Land Conservancy of West Michigan. You may sign her online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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