Nancy A. Duede, age 86, passed away comfortably, in her room at French Manor Terra, on October 29, 2022. She was born on June 13, 1936, to Lewis and Bernice Hinzmann.

Nancy grew up on a farm in Ypsilanti, Michigan and graduated from Lincoln High School. For Valentine's Day in 1955, she sent a card to a soldier that she did not know (Ray Duede), who was stationed in Germany. Nancy and Ray met when he was discharged from the Army and wed on May 18, 1957. They had one son, Steve.

Nancy worked in the editorial department of the Ypsilanti Press before beginning a career at Eastern Michigan University Credit Union, eventually becoming the treasurer and manager.

After her retirement from the Credit Union, Ray and Nancy moved to Elk Rapids where they lived their dream for 32 years on Elk River. Nancy worked at the Corner Drug store in Elk Rapids for eight years.

She liked to camp and traveled to all 50 states, her favorite trip being Alaska. Lighthouses captured her interest and she visited most of them in Michigan, getting to Crisp Point annually for many years. Nancy and Ray celebrated several of their wedding anniversaries at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. She enjoyed baseball and collected the autographs of every Traverse City Beach Bum player in the team's inaugural season. Nancy liked riding her bike with her neighbor, LaCorda. She always had a jigsaw puzzle in the works. Seeing the swans, hearing the loons,

gathering with family, and watching the sun set over the river were some of her treasured moments.

For her last year and a half, Nancy was compassionately cared for by the staff of French Manor Terra. In her final days the family appreciated the services of Hospice of Michigan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray, whom she lovingly helped to manage his health issues for many years.

She is survived by her son, Steve (Betsy) Duede and her sister, Phyllis (Bill) Briggs. She shared a special bond with two nieces,

Jill Briggs and Karen Paradis.

Friends and family who wish to make a charitable contribution in Nancy's name are asked to consider the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy or Calvary Lutheran Church in Elk Rapids.

The family will hold a private service for Nancy.

Beacon Cremation and Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com