Nancy Nims Walborn

Nancy Nims Walborn, of Hart, Michigan, passed away at the age of 89 on September 14, 2019 in Dublin, OH surrounded by her loving family.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Bruce C. Walborn, who passed away only 2 months ago.  Never long to be parted, Nancy’s family feels that Bruce called her home to be with him and the Lord.  

Nancy was born on April 19, 1930, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  She is the daughter of Joe Barber Nims and Axcelia Akerberg Nims.

She graduated from Hart High School in 1948 and from Michigan Normal College with a teaching certificate in 1952.  She married the great love of her life, Bruce Carleton Walborn of Livonia, Michigan on June 18, 1952 and they are the parents of three children.

Nancy began her teaching career in Hart, Michigan and eventually followed her husband Bruce overseas to Japan in the Army.  Later on, Nancy proved that she was ahead of her time by turning her love of healthy organic foods, homemade whole wheat bread, and vitamin supplements, into a business!  She started and ran a successful health food store in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.  Hers was a woman-owned business when it wasn’t a popular thing. 

Nancy’s hobbies were many.  She began collecting classical records as a child.  She later played the flute and piccolo in high school and college.  Nancy supported the orchestra and symphony wherever she lived.  Her favorite was the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra and she attended weekly for many years as a season ticket holder.  Nancy also belonged to the local Questers group sharing her love of all things antique, especially collecting Roseville pottery.  Nancy was a talented artist who took an interest in oil painting and also knitting.  She loved reading and attending book clubs but also participated in snow skiing and sailing on the Great Lakes.  Nancy enjoyed a good meal with the family and desserts of all kinds.  Bruce used to say “I can take her anywhere for fine dining but she’d be thrilled to have a date night at Taco Bell!”  She was famous for dreaming about her favorite Root Beer Floats or Hot Fudge Sundaes.  Going to the House of Flavors for Peanut Butter Cup ice cream was a regular activity for Nancy & Bruce. 

While grandpa took the grandkids fishing, grandma Nancy would take the granddaughters to the Gap and pick out fun outfits and get herself a matching one as well!  She loved shopping and going out to lunch.  She was always ready for an adventure.

Nancy was very well known as being a “fire-cracker” full of strength and energy but with a very tender heart.  She was a mother that you didn’t ever cross and yet she would take her children and later grandchildren under her wing of protection when the going got tough.  She was willing to help anyone in need and she’d stop to cuddle every dog or cat that crossed her path.

Bruce and Nancy were faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and attended the Hart Ward.  Nancy held many responsible positions in the church including pianist, music leader, Young Women’s leader and Relief Society Member.  Together they were called to serve an 18 month mission to the Philippines.  They were involved in training leaders in the field of Public Affairs and worked with government representatives, the media and local church units.  Their favorite work was in orphanages where they forever changed the lives of many underprivileged children.   

Nancy is survived by her three children, Nanette Meteer Purdy (the late David & the late Ronald), Melissa Sonksen (Craig), and Warren Walborn (Liezel), fifteen grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren, and two more great-grandchildren are expected before year-end.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law Margaret Cousins and family and brother and sister-in-law Brian and Ruth Walborn and family.  Harris Funeral Home of Shelby, Michigan is serving the family.

A Viewing and Visiting family will be Saturday September 21, 2019 @ 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2852 N. 72nd Ave. Hart, Michigan 49420. The Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 am

Interment Immediately following in Hart Cemetery, Hart, Michigan 

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