Nancy was born the daughter of Claude and Helen (Lively) Copenhaver in Cincinnati, Ohio on March 18th, 1952. Nancy worked in the service industry, was a licensed cosmetologist, and a caregiver for the elderly and ill. There are many stories from families of how her caring heart and gentleness with their loved ones will forever be remembered with gratitude and fondness.
Nancy fiercely believed in angels and had a passion for collecting everything “angel” from figurines, to paintings, and more, while always believing that her guardian angel was with her. She had an enthusiasm for gardening bordering on obsession, at one point reaching over 30 plants throughout her house that all thrived! She loved to drink Pepsi, eat Slim Jims from Big Boy with her sisters, and to try her luck at lottery scratch offs. She adored gadgets of all kinds, and amassed a collection of “As Seen on TV” items (large and small) for all sorts of things, which she never failed to have handy when a peculiar situation presented itself for their oddly specific use. Her collection of knick-knacks was as extensive as it was legendary, from the heartfelt to the belly laugh inducing.
Nancy Jane was a firebrand of a woman, who lived by the lyrics to Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive”, doing just that through the various and frequent hardships that befell her. Nancy had many struggles, yet she never lost her intense need to love and be loved, nor her deep desire to help others. She consistently championed the underdog and would go out of her way to aid those she knew as well as total strangers: no one ever left a stranger after meeting Nancy Jane. She was a great friend and confidant to many. You would never leave her house empty handed (her stubbornness wouldn’t allow you to), and even in that small way, she was constantly giving pieces of herself to others. Her infectious laugh, quick wit, flirtatious smile, and fiery temper blended to create a woman much like the sun-who’s bright light remains imprinted on you, even after you close your eyes.
Nancy is survived by her children Nannette Foust; Randi Foust, and Robert (Misty) Foust; grandchildren Amanda Johnson, Stephanie Bazner, Nicholas (Breanne) Foust, Nakita Foust, Nathaniel Foust, Nevyn Foust, and Nash Foust; great-grandchildren Mason Foust, Jax Seal, and Jaz Seal; and siblings Claudia and Elyse. Nancy is also survived by many nieces and nephews that she loved with abandon and shared many joys with. Nancy was predeceased by her parents; daughter Deborah; sister Barbara Jean Sherey; and brother Thomas Copenhaver. May she no longer be in pain, and may she be at rest among those loved ones who have gone before her-healing her loving heart from all the things even we did not know of.
Nancy’s family will hold a memorial gathering on Saturday March 9th, 2024 from 1pm until the time of the memorial service at 4 p.m. at Family Funeral Care located at 2904 Orchard Lake Road, in Keego Harbor, Michigan.
Flowers are welcome, or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family online at https://gofund.me/dfbe8e17 or by envelope at Family Funeral Care.
