Age 82, died April 25, 2022 at her home in Jackson, Michigan, losing her battle with MDS blood cancer and PML brain infection. Born in Ann Arbor, she grew up in Port Huron and then lived in Ann Arbor, Lapeer, Davison, Flushing and, for nearly 30 years, on Runyan Lake near Fenton before she and her husband of more than 60 years moved to Jackson four years ago.

Nancy was the founding director of the Salem-South Lyon District Library (SSLD). She went to the South Lyon City Library in 1989 and oversaw the creation and funding of the new, independent library district and construction of the SSLD library, which opened in 1998. Before going to South Lyon she was systems services manager at the Genesee District Library. Nancy joined GDL as librarian in its Flushing branch. She was GDL regional manager of libraries in five Genesee County communities before heading systems services. She started her career as a children's librarian in Lapeer.

Nancy earned her Master's Degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, following her Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from the same campus. A state-certified professional librarian, she stayed up to date in the evolving field of library science by taking numerous special and advanced programs offered by various institutions. She was a member of the Public Library Association and several other professional and community organizations.

A staunch advocate of education and training, Nancy took great satisfaction in encouraging, mentoring and otherwise helping others pursue their career goals in library science and other walks of life. Nancy retired from SSLD in 2002, at which time she received State of Michigan declarations of special tribute from the Ninety-First Legislature and Gov. John Engler for her contributions to librarianship and the communities she served.

Nancy's greatest enjoyment was spending time with family and friends. She loved reading, gardening, classical music, traveling and hiking nature trails, especially during the spring blooming of trilliums, trout lilies and other wildflowers. Nancy also deeply appreciated wildlife, especially sandhill cranes and the avian world in general.
She leaves her husband Richard, daughter Laura Noble and husband Dr. Albert Hollenbeck of Chelsea, Mi., granddaughter Delia Noble, grandson Hayden Hollenbeck, sister Meg and husband Bill Minnich, brother- and sister-in-law Ed and Betty Noble, and 10 nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Marjorie (Scott) Dawe, and sisters Shirley (Dawe) Bishop and Kate Dawe.

PML is a fatal brain disease and Nancy bequeathed her brain to the National Institute for Health to contribute to researching into this rare disease.

Cremation and arrangements are being handled by the Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea. Her remains will rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Ann Arbor. A celebration of her life will be held in the future, pending the status of the Covid pandemic.

Nancy supported a wide variety of charitable organizations. Memorial contributions may be made to your local food bank, animal shelter or library or to Planned Parenthood, the National Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy or the World Wildlife Fund.


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