Nancy Dunham

Nancy A. (Frie) Dunham, age 88 of Allendale, MI, formerly of Kalamazoo, MI peacefully passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The daughter of Jay and Winnifred (Rockwell) Frie, Nancy was born on September 28, 1936, in Kalamazoo and was raised in Gull Lake, MI where she experienced fond memories growing up alongside her older brother, John Frie and younger brother, Tom Frie. She was the Salutatorian of her graduating class at West Kellogg High School, now known as Gull Lake High School, Class of 1954 where she served as Class President and was thoroughly involved as a cheerleader, in school plays, choir, pep club, the yearbook staff, and tennis. She always looked forward to getting together with her remaining classmates for their annual lunch reunion every summer. A hard working and determined woman, Nancy worked as a hairdresser and as a licensed insurance agent. She had an appreciation for God's abundant creation, beautiful posies, the sounds of bluegrass, travel, everything green and anything that sparkled. Friendly and outgoing, she never met a stranger, had a gift for gab, and always made friends easily. Nancy is survived by her son, Alan Lemon (Melanie Prins) of Allendale, MI; stepdaughters, Diane Watson-Johnson of NJ and Debra (Ronald) Watson-Chapiewski of South Lyon, MI; sister-in-law, Kathy Frie of Delton, MI; special step-grandchildren, Steve (Karen) Lambert of Augusta, MI, Jennifer (Jim) Myers of NY, Dana Stickney-Walter (Rich Kister) of OH, Andrea Garcia Bowles of Standale, MI and Chelsea Garcia (Ryan Bursley) of Grandville, MI; many cherished step-great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and dear cousin, Bill Ray of Gull Lake, MI. She is also survived by her good friend and longtime neighbor, Linda Young of Kalamazoo, MI along with many other very special friends; and by her faithful canine companions, Charlie and Piper. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents; husband, John; brothers, John Frie and Thomas Frie; sister-in-law, Sharon Frie; several nephews and dear friends. Honoring Nancy's wishes, cremation has taken place and a homegoing burial celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, 2:00 PM at East Hickory Corners Cemetery, 4301 W. Hickory Rd., Hickory Corners, MI 49060 with good friend, Chaplain Kenita Spencer sharing. A time for gathering with the family will be held at The Dock at Bayview, 12504 E. D Avenue, Richland, MI 49083 following the burial. Nancy lived a mere two blocks from the Kleinstuck Nature Preserve for over 30 years where she took in the sights, sounds, smells, and tranquility of nature at its best. It was one of her favorite places. The stewards of Kleinstuck's mission is to unite neighbors, ecologists, educators, and WMU land managers to support nature education, ensure public access, and to protect the health, diversity, and beauty of the Kleinstuck Preserve for the benefit of wildlife and the community. In lieu of flowers, nothing would have made Nancy happier than knowing memorials in her memory were being made to this place she so loved: Stewards of Kleinstuck Nature Preserve, 916 Sunset Lane, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 or online at www.stewardsofkleinstuck.org/donate.