Nancy Lee LaPine

Nancy was born September 22nd, 1953, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, a daughter of Howard Emerson and Leitha Joy (Warner) Vollick. She grew up on John Street, where she had many friends, a happy childhood, and enjoyed figure skating. She graduated from the Sault Ste. Marie High School, Class of 1971, and later worked for a time as a waitress. She enrolled in the Nursing Program offered at Northern Michigan University, earning her certification in 1986, as a licensed practical nurse, all while being a single mom. Her nursing career began at UP Home Health and Hospice and concluded in 2018, following almost thirty years of service at Norlite Nursing Center.

Nancy was a compassionate and loving nurse, who gave her patients the best care possible and was well respected by her peers. She often exhibited her silly and playful side which made for many relaxing and joyful moments for patients and staff. At home, Nancy was known as a peppy, quirky, and sometimes goofy mom, who made her children’s friends feel at home when they visited. She also enjoyed rhyming words together, often making up rhyming songs, the ability for which she passed on to her children. On September 15th, 1990, Nancy was united in marriage to Delbert L. “Del”ù LaPine, in the Presbyterian chapel in the Sault. They moved to Beaver Grove where they continued to raise their daughters and later help raise and care for the grandkids and enjoyed following their activities. Nancy was a talented acrylic painter, often using flowers as her subject. She collected pictures which she displayed on the walls of her home, always adding and never taking any down to make room. She had quite a collection. Nancy also enjoyed a good game of Bingo, loved gardening, loved to buy “cute”ù things, and doted on her canine pal, Benji, whom she acquired for companionship following Del’s passing.

Nancy is survived by her mother, Leitha Vollick of Sault Ste. Marie; her children, Melissa (Glen) Alexander of Marquette and Angela (Dan) Keranen of Dollar Bay; her grandchildren, Christopher (Lacey) Wachter, Katelyn (Gage Hawthorne) Patnode, Chelsea Williams, Logan Alexander, Austin Keranen, Hanna Alexander, Nora Keranen, Emerson Keranen, Lindsea Wery, and Brittany Wery; great-grandchildren, Adalynn Neel, Hunter Neel, and Piper Wachter; a sister, Lynda Schexnayder of the Sault Ste. Marie; brother, Todd (Mary Beth) Vollick; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles and her faithful pal, Benji.

Nancy was preceded in death by her father; a brother, Steven Vollick; and her husband, Del.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the First United Presbyterian Church, in Sault Ste. Marie, on Tuesday, January 4th, beginning at 1:00 pm, until the time of service at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow. Spring interment will be made in the Riverside Cemetery.

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