Nancy Smith

Nancy Smith died April 16, 2021 after a lengthy battle with dementia. She spent her final days with her loving daughter by her side. She was born February 13, 1944 in Gratiot County, Mi to Clair and Gladys Purdy. She graduated from Ithaca High School and attended Northwoods Institute studying business and accounting.

As a young professional, she moved to the north woods. She worked many years and many long hours, during “tax season”, as an accountant in her beloved Traverse City,  Mi.

As a teenager she spent valuable time outdoors, a skilled skeet shooter and pheasant hunter. Nancy loved the water; a strong and avid swimmer and scuba diver. For many years she was a strong runner, usually with a faithful dog by her side. She spent years on the golf course, working to perfect her game. She shared her professional talents with local music booster clubs and community advocacy organizations.

She had an easy sense of humor and a feisty spirit.  She loved her animals and had many very well loved Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and cats over the years.

She was a devoted and loving mother. She attended every concert, and production. She worked tirelessly to ensure her daughter’s success and happiness. Perhaps nothing gave her more joy, than the birth of her grandson and the chance to see him grow and flourish.

She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her daughter Tanya Smith (Scott Ferguson), and grandson Max Berlin. She will be held close to the hearts of special grandchildren Kylie (Albert) Richardson, Alex Ferguson (Hailey Walker), and the rest of the loving Ferguson family. She will be remembered warmly by the many family, friends, and colleagues she was fortunate to meet throughout her life.

A private memorial will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E. Battle Creek, Mi. or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. The family is being served by Richard A Henry Funeral Home, Battle Creek, MI.

Take that Datsun 280 ZX to the beach mom, we’ll meet you there.