Nancy Kauppi Saunders

Passed away Tuesday morning, June 29, 2021 at Rose Arbor Hospice. Nancy was born April 27, 1933 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI the daughter of Wayne (Waino) Kauppi and Gwen (Gunnila) Kauppi (Keko).

Nancy was proud of her Finnish heritage and loved the UP, particularly Sugar Island where she spent her summers on her grandparent's farm and boat livery selling worms to servicemen stationed in the Sault during WW2. She graduated from Soo High in 1951. Before coming to Western Michigan College, she worked as a waitress and a life guard. While at Western, she worked at the Bea Shop in downtown Kalamazoo. After graduation, Nancy went to work for Michigan Bell Telephone as a Service Representative. On Oct. 10 1953, she married Bill Saunders in the Soo. In 1963 Bill and Nancy bought a farm, gutted and rebuilt the abandoned house. Nancy was an active participant in the project. In 1967 they bought an adjacent farm and began raising grapes, cherries and apples. Alongside Bill and her children, Nancy worked hard in the orchards and grapes until retirement. For many years they sold their apples and grapes at the Kalamazoo Farmer's market. She won a few Blue Ribbons at the County Fair too.

Nancy enjoyed saunas, sewing, quilting, fishing and their motor sailer purchased after Bill's retirement. With a friend made and sold " Nan and Pat" wrap skirts to local retailers. Nancy was an ardent supporter for the restoration of the Sugar Island Finn Hall. She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren even though they lived far away. The thrills of her life were recently being invited up to the Davis tower where she sat in the same chair her father did as Lockmaster guiding ships through Soo Locks; and also, being able to spend her 50th wedding anniversary with her husband on a trip to Finland, where she was able to meet her cousins that she had corresponded with since childhood.

Nan is survived by her husband Bill, children Andrea (Mike) Pendowski, Eric (Maria). Grandchildren, Ben Pendowski, Ana Otts (Brandon), Maureen Roberts (Stephen), Ross Pendowski, Michael & Jackie Saunders. Great grandchildren, Levi, Miller, Micah & Luca Otts, and Grisham & Haven Roberts.

Cremation has taken place at the Langeland Family Cremation Center. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am Tuesday, July 27 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 936 Lake St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Nancy's name to Sugar Island Preservation Soc. P.O. Box 72 Sault Ste. Marie MI, 49763.

To view Nancy's personalized webpage please visit https://www.langelands.com