Nancy Jill Toyra

Born March 18, 1936 in Florence, Wisconsin, Nancy was the daughter of Elmer and June (Anderson) Small. She was a graduate of Graveraet High School, class of 1955. She met and married Carl Bergh and together they had seven children: Diana Hetrick (Jim), Heidi Hill (Danny), Carl E. Bergh, Gretchen Lakenen (Mike) and Bethney Bergh (David Crum). Nancy is now with her daughters Bridget (age 3) and Heather (age 6 months).

Nancy married her loving husband, Richard Toyra, in January 1994 and they spent the last 25 years together. Over the years, they lived between the Upper Peninsula and Arizona. Together they enjoyed traveling, going on cruises, spending time with their friends and attending sporting events. Richard’s three children, John Toyra (Kay Neiset), Fenton Toyra (Maria), and Theresa Toyra survive Nancy.

Nancy’s ability to see beauty in her surroundings and her love for flowers led to a career in floral design. She shared her talents, her unwavering love, and her generosity with her family, friends, and her community. So many have been blessed by her gifts.

Nancy was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Negaunee, Michigan, Spirit of Joy Church in Gilbert, Arizona, and Saving Grace in Queen Creek, Arizona. She was a member of PEO Chapter EJ of Negaunee, completed a lay ministry program, enjoyed her book clubs and was a Master Gardener. One of the highlights of Nancy’s life was seeing Luciano Pavarotti in concert.

Nancy’s passion was her family. She loved them fiercely and was as proud of her children as they were of her. She loved family gatherings, spending time with her kids and grandchildren and found joy in each individually.

Nancy’s grandchildren are Greg (Kelly) Hetrick, Shane (Pete) Ruokola, Brandon Burbach, Hunter William (Jessica) Hetrick, Greta (Bart Hoese) Hill, Andrew (Ashley Dix) Hill, Carl John (Anna) Berghausen, Britney (Bryan) Benz, Cross and Piper Lakenen, Luca Crum, Zachary Toyra, Austin Toyra, Josh Christunas, Kelsey Christunas (Nick Tritt), Travis Greenleaf and Brianna Christunas who preceded her in death.

Grandma Greata’s great-grandchildren are Conner and Kylie Hetrick, Adreanah (Daniel) Eberly, Quinn Burbach, Peter and Kaden Ruokola, Rylee Hetrick, Porter Hill, Jaedon Pole, Everett and Isabella Hill, baby Benz due in April, Jocelynn Ortega, Declan Tritt, and Dexter Davenport.

Grandma Great’s great great-grandchildren are Isla and Eli Eberly.

Nancy is survived by her brother Darryl (Eileen) Small, sister Janice (Pete) Romaine and sister-in-law Rae-Ann Small. She was preceded in death by her brothers Gary (Karina) Small and Gene (Rae-Ann) Small and her sister Karen (Jack) Peterson. She had many loved nieces and nephews.

Nancy perceived the world as though she were wearing rose-colored glasses, and we are all the better for it. Thank you for loving all of us and giving us the gift of appreciation for our incredibly close family, roadsidia, rock picking, driftwood, Jell-O and a good dessert gently wrapped in a napkin and tucked in your purse. Nancy had a life well lived and will be greatly missed.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Negaunee on Thursday, November 14, beginning at 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 noon. Rev. Steve Solberg, pastor, will officiate. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be made in the Park Cemetery.

A memorial service will be held in Arizona at a future date.

Memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Negaunee.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com