Nancy Warren

Nancy Warren was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her love of her family is a common thread woven throughout her amazing journey. Nancy lived her life as a model of her Christian faith where she was known to serve others selflessly. Raising a large family it was no surprise that she spent much of her time in the kitchen. She was a wonderful cook who was known for her goulash and tacos including making her own shells! Nancy leaves behind a rich legacy of being a generous and compassionate woman who was accepting of all others. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her many special friends and loved ones.

With the promise of a new election year waiting and banks still closing as a result of the Great Depression, Harold and Berenice (Crandall) Hill were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their second child. Nancy Jeanette was warmly welcomed into their hearts on December 27, 1932, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Her birth brought light into an era of hard times.

Nancy lived a typical childhood where her father was the main breadwinner working at Michigan Bell and her mother mostly stayed home to tend to the household. She was the middle child of three wonderful girls who shared their time going to the local beaches and spending time outdoors. Raised with a strong Catholic faith, she attended St. Augustine in downtown Kalamazoo not far from her home. Many of her childhood memories included spending time with their extended relatives on each and every holiday. She was known to pitch in around the family home by completing chores and learning the customary skills of a traditional young woman including cooking, knitting, and sewing. These skills remained with her well into her adult years.

Not to be forgotten was the meeting of the man of her dreams, George Warren! Yet once the two of them started dating, they knew they were meant to be together and joined in marriage on November 24, 1951, at St. Augustine Church in Kalamazoo. Eager to start a family of their own, the happy couple eventually welcomed seven wonderful children into their home over the course of the next few years. Their home was always a welcoming place for friends and family to gather and there was never an idle moment!

Busy and active in their children’s lives, Nancy and George wanted nothing but the best for each of them. When the kids were younger, Nancy started a daycare in her home so that she could spend more time with them. She managed to help save their resources by using her sewing talents to make the kids' clothes during these years. The years flew by quickly managing their schedules, preparing them warm meals as well as staying on top of them; especially the boys who often stirred up their fair share of trouble! After some of the kids were grown and gone, she went back to work driving a school bus for Parchment Schools where she remained for many years. A natural with children, Nancy was a wonderful role model to the students sharing kind gestures and building lasting relationships with many of the families. Nancy’s greatest pleasure, however, were the many holidays she shared with her family. She loved hosting large parties and family events over the years often cooking and baking nonstop to ensure that no one left hungry! Each and every time friends or family were gathered together in her home, her heart was full. Her genuine hospitality will be her greatest legacy.

Nancy held many special pastimes. She was a long-time member at St. Ambrose Church where she was active for many years. She and George participated in countless trips with their church family as well as playing Bridge and going on special outings. They also converted an old school bus into a camper and spent many of their travels in an RV or trailer. She absolutely loved being a grandmother and no one could deny her love of newborn babies. Nancy enjoyed knitting hats for the newborns at the local hospital and often knitted something special for her own grandchildren over the years. When she wasn’t knitting or crocheting, she would on occasion read fictional stories especially the Reader’s Digest.

In their later years, she and George enjoyed spending their long Michigan winters in the warmer climates of Texas where they kept themselves in good shape taking their daily walks. They had a wonderful, happy, marriage. There was no greater testament of their love for one another than the years George tenderly cared for her as her Alzheimer’s illness took so much of her shining spirit. Sadly, she is gone yet her wonderful collection of memories will continue to heal the hearts of her close-knit family and many special friends. May they always remember her for her joyous way of being gracious with others and her ability to make everyone feel special in her presence.

Nancy J. Warren, age 86, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, died October 8, 2019, at New Friends Memory Care in Kalamazoo. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, George in 2015. Members of her family include seven children; Jerry Warren, Tom Warren, Dave Warren, Ken Warren, Bill (Jamie) Warren, Sally (Eric) Alexander and Jack (Linda) Warren; seven grandchildren; Brandon, Jennifer, Christin, Michael, Ashleigh, Ben and Jake, three great-grandchildren; Jaymeson, Payton, Brogan; two sisters; Shirley Olsen and Marcie (Roger) Warchol, a brother Terry Dennis and many special nieces and nephews. Visit with family and friends on Friday from 5-7 PM at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, 269-375-2900 where a Prayer Service will be held at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday 10AM at St. Ambrose Catholic Church (1628 East G Ave, Parchment). Burial at East Cooper Cemetery. Please visit Nancy’s personal memory page at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Contributions may be made to St. Ambrose Catholic Church or Alzheimer’s Association.