NANCY VIRGINIA WILLEY

Nancy Virginia Willey, 72, passed away on Easter Sunday at MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena. Nancy was born to George and Gladys Willey in Flint, Mich., on Jan. 19, 1945. She moved to Chicago when she was 18, working in the city for several years before returning to Michigan. Nancy was an independent spirit and lived her life on her own terms. From driving bulldozers in Stoneport in Alpena in the 1970s, to painting lines on interstates, to creating beautiful watercolors and oil paintings of her own. She sold real estate, was an antiques dealer. She owned a house cleaning business in South Florida spending time fishing in the ocean and growing orchids. Nancy was a lover of art, old movies, fishing, cooking and tending her flower and vegetable garden. She crafted large Christmas and holiday meals for her family, neighbors and friends. Nancy also loved to travel, visited Jamaica, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and throughout the south. Nancy loved her family, her children and her partner Charles Wendland, who helped care for her in her later years. Nancy was a part of the Hillman community, and along with her partner Charles, loved fishing the lakes in the area and spending time with friends on Edgar Road. Nancy suffered from COPD, which eventually took her life. She leaves behind her partner Charles; her sons Geoff, and Paul; and daughter Maddie. She will be missed. No funeral service will be held, as per her wishes.