Nancy Lee (Taft) Youngs

Nancy Lee (Taft) Youngs, born on February 13, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Hugh and Eulah Warner Wildish, was the youngest of four beloved daughters. After a full and vibrant life, she passed away peacefully in Lansing, Michigan, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the age of 91.

Nancy’s early years in Milwaukee shaped her identity as a proud “Wisconsin girl.” A student at Burdick Grade School, she developed a love for music, playing the saxophone. Her life, however, was marked by a deep personal tragedy when her mother passed away from cancer when Nancy was just 11. This loss had a profound impact on her, and she often spoke of her mother with love and longing throughout her life. After her mother’s death, Nancy moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, to live with her mother’s sister, Carlotta, affectionately known as “Auntie.” It was in Kalamazoo that she met her husband, William “Bill” Taft Sr., at a dance at Fort Custer while he was in the Navy. They married soon after his discharge and together had four children: Suzie, Bill Jr., Jackie, and Michael, the center of Nancy’s world.

Nancy’s professional life was as varied and rich as her personal life. She held a variety of jobs over the years, from waitressing and working at an ice cream shop to serving as a uniform attendant at Kellogg, a real estate agent at Tommie Raines, and a greeter at the Delta Township Meijer. Yet, her most cherished role was serving as the librarian at Windermere View Elementary School for 25 years, where she worked tirelessly to nurture a love of reading and learning in young minds. Beyond her career, Nancy’s greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother. She was a constant source of support and encouragement for her children, always believing in their potential and standing by them through all of life’s endeavors. She had a unique gift of making each child and grandchild feel as though they were her “favorite,” showering them with unconditional love, affection, and, of course, sweet treats.

Nancy’s family was her world. She was an unwavering cheerleader for her children and grandchildren, attending events, offering words of wisdom, and being present in every way possible. Her warmth, kindness, and light-filled spirit made her beloved by everyone who knew her. She cherished her role as a young grandmother and was actively involved in their lives, creating lasting memories that will be treasured forever.

She is survived by her four children, Suzanne (Jack) Gleason, William Jr. (Gussie) Taft, Jacqueline (Michael) Nichols, and Michael (Krisztina) Taft, as well as five grandchildren, Amy (Brad) Bird, Ben (Beth Ann) Nichols, Stephanie (Kyle) Pollack, Emily Nichols, and Hawk Taft. She was also the proud great-grandmother of seven, David (Jordan), Patrick, Olyvia, Audrey, Maddox, Micah, and Jordan. Each of them was blessed to have a unique and meaningful relationship with her, and they will carry her memory in their hearts always.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her three sisters, and her loving second husband of 43 years, Gordon Youngs.

Her passing leaves a void that can never be filled. She was deeply loved, and she will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Nancy’s love, warmth, and spirit will remain with us, as we carry her memory in our hearts for the rest of our lives.

A public Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, May 5th, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Mount Hope Church Chapel, located at 202 S Creyts Rd., Lansing, MI 48917. Family and friends are warmly invited to come together to celebrate and honor Nancy’s life and cherished memory.

Donations in Nancy’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte, Michigan-two causes close to her heart.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at Delta Retirement Center for their care and friendship, as well as the team at Eaton Community Palliative Care for their kindness and support during Nancy’s final days. They are also profoundly grateful for the love and companionship of Nancy’s many dear friends who brought joy to her life.