Nancy Peterson

As family and friends gather to reflect on the life and legacy of Nancy Peterson, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for all those around her. She was a shining example of kindness and generosity, and she faced every challenge that came her way with a spirit of grace and determination. Nothing brought Nancy greater joy than spending time with her loved ones, no matter how simple the moments. Her servant’s heart allowed her to impact the lives of countless others for the better. Deeply cherished by everyone fortunate enough to know her, Nancy will be forever missed.

The late 1930s were tumultuous years for the United States and the rest of the world. The Great Depression still cast a dark shadow over the nation, making everyday life harder for many families. Tensions were quickly reaching a boiling point as WWII raged in Europe. During this difficult time, however, there was joy to be found in the Anderson household as John and Dorothy (Engman) Anderson of Grand Rapids, Michigan, awaited the arrival of their child. On August 21, 1939, they were happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Nancy Lynn Anderson.

Growing up, Nancy enjoyed a typical childhood of her generation. She was raised in the family home on Gratiot Street NW in Grand Rapids. Nancy’s father, John, supported the family by working at Fisher Body while her mother, Dorothy, was a homemaker. At a young age, Nancy discovered her lifelong passion for reading. She built the firm foundation of her faith at Swedish Mission Church of Grand Rapids. Throughout Nancy’s childhood, the Anderson family spent many weekends and summers at Engman Farm, a fruit farm on Bristol Avenue that belonged to Nancy’s grandparents. She always looked back fondly on those memories and would later carry on the tradition of visiting the farm with her own children. Nancy attended local schools, including West Leonard School and Union High School. After graduating from Union, she attended Grand Rapids Junior College for two years. Nancy then began settling into her career doing office work for a local orthopedic surgeon and veterinarian.

Exciting changes were on the horizon for Nancy as she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Donald Peterson, and the two first met at church. There was an instant spark between Nancy and Don. Over the next three years of dating, their relationship blossomed as they fell deeper and deeper in love. On March 26, 1960, Nancy and Don were united in marriage in the presence of family and friends at the Swedish Mission Church. The newlyweds then settled down in their first home on Charlotte NW. Nancy and Don would go on to spend the next 50 blissful years together.

Of all the things Nancy loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. She and Don were overjoyed to welcome their three children, Eric, Timothy, and Kerry, into their hearts and home. As their family grew, they moved to Blueberry Hills. Nancy thrived in her role as a mother, and she strove to care for her house and her children. Christmas was spent at the family Engman Farm every year, and summers took place against the backdrop of the family cottage on Burt Lake in Petoskey, Michigan. The Petersons enjoyed several memorable spring break vacations as well. Nancy and Don raised their children up in their church home, First Evangelical Covenant Church. Later in life, she was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. Nancy loved being “Memaw” to her beloved grandkids. She always considered herself greatly blessed to watch her family flourish to include so many members.

Nancy truly exemplified what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord she loved so much. She immersed herself in deep study of the Bible all throughout her life. Nancy was a faithful member of First Evangelical Covenant Church for many years, where she was a leader in the prayer ministry and a tireless prayer warrior. She belonged to the Bible Study Fellowship for over twenty years, even leading many of the studies. Nancy quite a homebody. She and Don preferred to stay close to their condo on Blueberry Valley NW in their retirement years. In her free time, Nancy was a voracious reader, especially of biographies, history, and nonfiction. She must have read thousands of books and was very well-read on many subjects. Nancy was never afraid to say what was on her mind, and she always stood up for what she believed was right.

As family and friends will surely agree, Nancy Peterson truly made the most of every moment she was given. She was a constant source of strength and support, even in the most difficult of times. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Nancy was so happy to be surrounded by so many loved ones. She leaned on her faith in times of joy and grief, and her comfort was found in the arms of her Savior. Though she will be dearly missed, Nancy leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her friends and family members will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Nancy Lynn Peterson, age 85, passed away June 20, 2025 with her loving family at her side. Nancy was born August 21, 1939 in Grand Rapids to the late John and Dorothy (Engman) Anderson. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Donald Peterson; and her son, Timothy Peterson. Nancy was a member of First Evangelical Covenant Church, she loved reading and participating in Bible Study Fellowship. Most of all, she cherished her family who now will miss her greatly. Nancy is survived by her children, Eric (Janice) Peterson and Kerry (Michael) Verhulst; grandchildren, Brandon, Kristen, Jeremy (Maureen), Tyler (Ciera), Allica (Jared), Morghan (Jay), Brindlea, Zachary (Anna), Joshua (Robbie), Jordan (Kaitlyn), and Erin (Kyle); and 15 great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit with family beginning at 10 AM. Private family graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery. The family extends a special thank you to Corewell Health Hospice and to Edison Christian Health Center, especially Brian and Mary Jo, for the wonderful loving care provided to their mother. Memorials may be made to Edison Christian Health Center Benevolent Fund. To read more of Nancy’s Life Story, leave a memory or sign the guestbook, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.