Nancy Fowler

Nancy Ann Hatch Fowler died on Friday August 19, 2022 in Elk Rapids, Michigan at the age of 88 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases.

Nancy was born on June 27, 1934 in Horton, Michigan to Robert Angevine Hatch and Laurene Lyons Hatch. She attended Cadillac High School and graduated in 1952. She continued her education at Michigan State College and received an Associate Degree.

Nancy married her high school sweetheart, David Duane Fowler, on June 17, 1956 in Cadillac, Michigan. They moved to Charlevoix in 1957. Nancy was a member of the First Congregational Church for 65 years.

Nancy is survived by her four children, Susan Blair Fowler of Charlevoix, Thomas David Fowler and his wife Barbara Ann Gadilhe Fowler of Houston, TX, James Robert Fowler of Charlevoix, and Margaret (Meg) Ellen Kitson and her husband Gregory Scott Kitson of East Jordan. Nancy is also survived by her grandchildren Brooks David Fowler and his wife Lindsay Viglione Fowler of Louisville, KY and their children Tate Benjamin, June Evadale and Forest James-Thomas Fowler, John Warren Fowler of Atlanta, GA, Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) Ann Fowler and her fiancé, Adam Samuel (Sam) Dean, of Chattanooga, TN, and Molly Angevine and Granger Scott Kitson of East Jordan. She is also survived by her brother, Dr. Robert D. Hatch and a sister-in-law, Char Fowler and many nieces and nephews. Nancy loved her family and was truly the greatest supporter of all things family.

Nancy was very creative and talented and loved sharing her gifts with others. She painted, arranged flowers, sewed and crafted for her friends and family. She loved to wallpaper and reupholster old furniture to transform a room. She had a knack for interior decorating. She was an avid collector of unique antiques and old fashioned Santa Clauses. She and her friends called themselves the “Dumpster Dollies” as they often recycled old belongings into new and lovely treasures. Nancy enjoyed antiques of all kinds including quilts, depression glass and knickknacks. She loved entertaining on all occasions but particularly at Christmas when she could share her creative collections with others.

Nancy was always there to support her kids and grandchildren and see their important events. She would travel near and far to see a game, play or band concert. She loved sports and competition. She was an exercise enthusiast, enjoyed playing tennis, and walking daily with her friends. Each summer night, she would wind down watching the Detroit Tigers on TV. Nancy and Dave also enjoyed playing cards and board games with family and friends during holidays and special occasions. 

Nancy was generous beyond words and was a great steward of our earth. She loved Charlevoix’s petunias and volunteered each year as a block captain for the planting. She was a band booster, a Cub Scout den mother, and school chaperone whenever necessary. She was a faithful servant of Christ and was active in her church in many ways.  She served as a Sunday School teacher and helped organize the church bazaar and cookie walk, and was always there to help.  She coordinated Charlevoix’s American Red Cross blood drives for over 25 years. She was awarded a Life Membership of the Michigan Garden Club after more than 50 years of service. She was Dave’s faithful bridge partner for many decades, earning the Golden Age Master Bridge Player Award from the American Contract Bridge League.

After retirement, Nancy and Dave enjoyed traveling with friends, especially cruising. Every winter, they looked forward to spending time in Florida at their “Cando.” They received many guests and visitors and always welcomed them with delicious food and loads of fun.

Nancy lead by example in everything she did:  a legacy of commitment, service, dedication, hard work, loyalty, honor, kindness, and love. She, simply stated, was the best!

Memorials may be made in her honor to First Congregational Church of Charlevoix, MI, the Charlevoix Garden Club, or any service organization of your choice.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 27th at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Charlevoix with the family receiving friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service.  A luncheon will follow the service.  

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com