Obituary

Remembering Nancy Rae Wilson

Nancy Rae Wilson, age 78, of Caledonia, Michigan, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

Nancy was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and shared more than thirty years of marriage with her beloved husband, Robert P. Wilson. Together they created countless cherished memories, whether attending car shows, traveling in the United States, or taking their daughters on family vacations to places such as Mackinaw and Tennessee. Nancy found joy in life's simple pleasures, especially shopping—particularly at her favorite dollar stores.

She could always be found watching her favorite soap operas, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, as well as the Hallmark Channel. Music was a constant source of happiness in her life, and she loved listening to artists such as Neil Diamond, Andrea Bocelli, Elvis Presley, and her Christian music. Nancy had a sweet tooth and would never pass up a bowl of ice cream when given the chance. 

Above all, Nancy treasured the time she spent with her family. She adored her six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her sweet and kind heart, her infectious laugh, and her wonderful sense of humor that could brighten any room. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob Wilson; her parents, Raymond and Ferne Jacobson; her infant sister, Diane Jacobson; her son-in-law, Roger Kersjes.

She will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her daughters, Amy Kersjes and Angie (Marty) Rose; her siblings, Janice Paulson, Barby Jacobson, and Raymond Jacobson; her grandchildren, Jennie (Mike) Glynn, Eric Kersjes and Kendra Watson, Audrey Kersjes and Brandon Milanowski, Brandon Kersjes, Jessica Tandy, and Katie (Tony) Grooters; her great-grandchildren, Owen Glynn; Lucas and Carter Tandy; and Vanessa and Nova Grooters. She will also be fondly remembered by her many extended family members and friends, especially her dear friend, Nancy Geranen.

According to the family's wishes cremation has taken place. A burial will be held at Rosedale Memorial Park. The family is hosting a celebration of life at a later date. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Harbor Post Acute Center Emmanuel Hospice, or American Cancer Society.


 

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I have always called her Aunt Nancy, and growing up, I heard so many wonderful stories about the adventures and shenanigans my mom and Aunt Nancy got themselves into—from childhood through high school and beyond. One of my favorite stories was how Aunt Nancy’s dad would tease them, saying, “Well, I guess we have Nancy Sweet and Nancy Sour,” because my mom’s maiden name was Sweet. I always thought that was the cutest thing. Another story I have always cherished is from their cosmetology school days. My mom and Aunt Nancy had become so popular with their clients that the school didn’t want to let them graduate—they didn’t want to lose the clientele the girls had brought in! My grandmother, Nancy Sweet, who owned her own salon on Plainfield, was not having it. She stormed into the school and made it very clear that those girls were going to graduate! I also love knowing that my mom and Aunt Nancy were the models featured on the front of the brochure for Tracy’s Academy of Beauty in Grand Rapids, around 1967. How special that they were not only best friends, but that they grew up together and became such a beautiful part of each other’s history. I will always treasure these stories and the beautiful friendship they represent. Aunt Nancy was a part of our family for as long as I can remember, and I feel so blessed to have known and loved her. I love you, Aunt Nancy. I hope that you and my mom find each other again when the time comes, one day. ❤️

— Shawn Geranen

Nance and I met in the seventh grade, and from that very moment, we became the best of friends. We did everything together—from junior high, through high school, and then on to cosmetology school, where once again we graduated together. Three times we got to share that milestone—who gets to do that in a lifetime? We shared such a beautiful, wild, and unforgettable journey growing up side by side. There were so many crazy and joyful moments—racing cars, staying at beach houses, and countless nights getting ready together, making sure every strand of hair was perfectly twisted for dances and special events. We went on double dates, to movies, and everywhere in between. Truly, we did life together. My mom loved Nance as if she were another daughter, and I loved Nance’s mom and dad just as deeply. Our families became beautifully intertwined, and there was so much love shared between all of us. As life went on, we were always there for each other. I would watch Amy while Nance worked, and she would watch Shawn while I worked. We helped each other through every busy season of life, always knowing we could depend on one another. I feel so incredibly blessed to have had such an amazing, loving, kind, and caring friend for so many years. Nance was not just my friend—she was a part of my life, my history, and my heart. I will dearly miss our long, wonderful chats, our endless giggles, and all the little moments that only the two of us could ever truly understand. There is a lifetime of memories between us, and I will carry them with me always. And thank you, my precious Amy, for allowing me to share one last chat with Nance. That final conversation is a gift I will hold very close to my heart. 💞 Until we meet again, my beautiful friend. I love you, and I will miss you more than words could ever say.

— Nancy Geranen

Aunt Nancy always had a wonderful sense of style. She was always dressed beautifully, and no matter the occasion, she looked elegant and put together. It was one of the many things I will always remember about her.

— Brenda clark

Nancy was a big part of my life when we were young. She was less than a year younger than me, and her mom and my mom were sisters, and her dad and my dad were brothers making us double cousins. We would often spend time at each other’s houses spending the night. She was a wonderful cousin and we had many happy memories together at family picnics and gatherings. She loved to laugh like her mom and was always fun to be with. I’m so happy that she had such such a wonderful family that brought her much joy. Rest in peace, my beautiful cousin. I love you.

— Judi Johnson

I knew Nancy (Nana) through Jessica Tandy and she never faild to have arms wide open as if I was apart of the family and one of her own grand kids. Thank you Jessica for introducing me to such a beautiful, caring, loving and accepting human. Forever cherished.

— Chanesa Bennett

Nancy was so full of joy and so vibrant, always a ready smile as a teen.

— Gloria. wesche

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