Nancy J. (Goodenow) Gillespie

Nancy J. Gillespie, mother of four, grandmother of 11 and great grandmother of 12, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family.  

She was born August 13, 1936 in Taylor Township in Wayne County to Robert and Doris (Connett) Goodenow, her family eventually settled in Levering. 

Nancy married Gene “Louie” Gillespie on July 28, 1956 and they made their home in Levering, where together they raised four children and shared many wonderful years. Louie preceded Nancy in death in 2005.

For many years Nancy worked as a waitress and hostess in a number of area restaurants, some may remember her from her days at Audies, Embers, Boyne Highlands or Darrows.  In later years she worked as a Nurse's Aid at the Emmet County Medical Care Facility. After retiring Nancy loved spending her winters in Florida with her sister Margaret, this was a truly enjoyable time in her life.

With Nancy, what you saw was what you got; she was outgoing, truly genuine and an easy person to like.  She had expressive eyes that were a constant window to her mood and personality.  Nancy's husband Louie was a central figure in Little League Baseball for the northern part of Emmet County, and for many years Nancy was right there by his side. To her kids she was a wonderful mom, who was "classy and beautiful", but above all a loving and caring force in their life, who was always there in times of need.  Her kids, grandkids and great grandkids were the pride of her life; she was deeply loved by them in return and she will forever be missed.

She was mom to Jeana (Mark) Russey, Robert (Mary) Gillespie, Kathleen (Art) Parsons, and Patricia (Chris) Nathan, she was grandma to 11 and "GG" to 12.  She is also survived by her sister Linda Phillips and sister-in-law Virginia Goodenow and to numerous nieces and nephews and many friends of all ages.  As mentioned previously she was preceded in death by her husband Louis and by 4 brothers and 2 sisters. 

Nancy's family plan to remember and to celebrate her life during a Funeral Mass that has been planned for Tuesday, October 4 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. prior to mass.  She will be laid to rest with her husband Louis in Bliss Township Cemetery. 

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