Nancy Alaine (DeVisser) Stryd

Nancy Alaine (DeVisser) Stryd of Portage, Michigan passed away February 16, 2023 at the age of 78 from dementia.  Nancy was born October 2, 1944 in Borgess Hospital, the daughter and first-born of Abraham and Catherine (Drenth) DeVisser.  Nancy’s education consisted of Washington Elementary School, South Junior High School, Kalamazoo Central High School (on Westnedge), Parchment High School (1962), and Kalamazoo Valley Community College (1980).  She was employed by Sinclair and Valentine Ink Co., The Registrar’s Office of WMU, and by The Upjohn Company as a Secretary in the Medical Division.

Nancy met her true love while singing in the church choir.  She married him, Thomas Nelson Stryd, on August 6, 1965 and they honeymooned at Niagara Falls and the New York World’s Fair.  Together they had two sons, Jonathan A. Stryd (deceased 1996) and Steven M. Stryd.  Nancy is survived by her husband Thomas, son Steven M. (Sarah) Stryd, six siblings and their spouses:  Arnold (Alyson) DeVisser, Leonard (Patricia) DeVisser, Beverly (William) Staal, Connie (Daniel) Phillips, Kathleen (Wesley) Knollenberg, and Ruth (David) Anson.  Also, brother-in-law Ronald P. (Sharon) Stryd, and sister-in-law Ann M. Stryd, and many nieces, nephews and cousins and fond friends, neighbors and associates.  Nancy was predeceased by her parents, her husband’s parents, her oldest son, her infant sister Jeanne M. DeVisser, a nephew Aaron DeVisser, her husband’s oldest brother Jack T. Stryd, all but two of her aunts and uncles and many cousins, friends and colleagues.

Nancy’s interests included:  sewing, canning, gardening, bicycling, reading, traveling, and involvement in church, school, and youth enrichment activities.  She was a Cub Scouts Den Mother, a 4-H Leader in Rocketry, Rabbits, etc. and received many acknowledgements for her contributions and participation. When Providence Christian School was formed in 1978, she became its first librarian and, working with various individuals over several years, helped establish an appropriate collection of cataloged literature.

She was a life-long member of the Netherlands Reformed Congregation and served in various capacities, such as church organist for many years, an active member and President of Dorcas Guild involved in soup suppers, pie making, apple sauce preparation and other social and fund-raising activities.  She worked with her husband in the preparation of the church bulletin for 13 years and helped establish the church email and robocall notification systems.  Nancy was also a Discussion Leader with Bible Study Fellowship, International.

Nancy, along with her husband, traveled in many states including Alaska in addition to British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario Canada.  Tom and Nancy designed and had built their “dream” home on ten acres in 1974 and lived there for 44 years (it was a wonderful place to raise their sons).  Nancy clung to her deep faith in God through the devastating, unimaginable grief and loss of losing her oldest son, Jon.  She was a compassionate, fun-loving, and faithful wife, mom, sister, daughter, friend and true colleague.  Nancy was devoted to her family and loved spending time together with them.  Her caring and loving nature had a positive influence on all who knew her.

Visitation will be Monday, February 20, 2023 from 5-8:00 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, where the funeral service will take place Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 1:00 PM, with Rev. Bart Elshout officiating. Interment will be in Hope Cemetery with a luncheon after the committal service at the Langeland Family Reception Center.

Memorial donations may be made to Providence Christian School, 100 Pratt Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, or a charity of one’s choice.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.