Nancy was born on August 29, 1934, at her grandparents, Roy and Mary Howard’s farmhouse on the corner of Popp and French Road in Lake Leelanau, the daughter of Arthur and Bernice (Wise) Howard. She was a graduate of Leland High School, class of 1952.

At a dance in Suttons Bay, she met her soon-to-be husband, Donald C. Priest. On September 2, 1953, at St. Michael’s Church in Suttons Bay, Nancy married her sweetheart, Don, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, adventure, and faith. Their marriage, spanning 58 years, was a testament to enduring devotion.

Nancy was a woman of deep intellect and curiosity. A self-taught theologian and a published poet, she had a passion for history and was a proud member of the Israeli Archaeological Society. Her love for learning was matched only by her love for her family. She and Don raised six wonderful children, three boys and three girls.

She had a deep appreciation for the beauty of the world, which she explored through extensive travel. Some of her favorite places included Egypt, Turkey, and the historic wonders of Europe. At home, she found joy in her gardens, especially in nurturing her beloved roses, and she shared her knowledge and faith as a catechism teacher at St. Michael’s Church in the 1980s.

Nancy leaves behind a legacy of love, 1934 ~ 2025

faith, and wisdom, cherished by her children: Douglas ( Janet) Priest, David (Phyllis) Priest, Bryan (Nancy E.) Priest, Marianne (Douglas Edward) Perrault, Roseanne Sinacola, and Jennifer (Kevin) Grochowalski; her siblings, Betty Ann (Willard) Kiessel and Robert Lee (Sharon) Howard; her sister-inlaw, Marie Priest; 36 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-greatgrandchildren.

She now joins in eternal peace her beloved husband, Don; her parents; her siblings, Donna (Tom) Schaub and Arthur (Carolyn) Howard; and her grandchildren, Andrew Michael Perrault, William John (B.J.) Priest, Adam Perrault, Justin Priest, Jasmine Priest, Jacob Perrault, and Andrew Priest.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Lake Leelanau on Friday, March 28th. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 29th, with visitation one hour prior also at St. Mary’s. Father Ben Martin will serve as celebrant. A luncheon will take place after the service at the church. Burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery will take place in the spring.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Mass Intentions or the St. Mary’s General Endowment Fund, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.

Please share condolences and memories with Nancy’s family at www.martinson.info. Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.