Nancy Ann (Straffon) Wilson

Nancy Ann (Straffon) Wilson passed peacefully on October 29, 2022, age 88, with her children by her side. She is survived by Bryon D. Wilson (Debi) and Cary Anne Peskin (Robb) and 7 grandchildren, 7 nephews and 3 sisters-in-law. Proceeding her in death are husband B. David Wilson, son Robert A. Wilson and brothers Dr. Ralph & Dr. Lloyd Straffon. Nancy was born September 23, 1934, in Croswell, Michigan, attended Cros-Lex HS and earned a BA degree in education from Michigan State University in 1956. She started teaching kindergarten at Lakeview schools in Battle Creek. Married June 25, 1960, Nancy and David moved throughout Michigan with David’s physician internships and allergy residencies, making lifelong friends along the way. They set up an allergy practice in Kalamazoo in 1972. Nancy enjoyed raising her 3 children and was involved in their sports and activities. She gave back to her community as an active member of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra League, Kalamazoo Academy of Medicine Auxiliary, where she held many chair and committee positions. She was very organized, created photo/memory albums, loved entertaining, and the Christmas season. Nancy enjoyed being creative with the Kalamazoo Garden Club and was active in tennis and golf. She fundraised for many charities such as Planned Parenthood, the March of Dimes, and her tennis rally round group funding cancer research. Nancy’s interest in travel started in her 20’s with friends and continued with David’s medical meetings around the U.S. and cruises in her late 70’s. She enjoyed many summer family vacations with her parents and brothers’ families on Lake Muskoka in Ontario Canada. A longtime supporter music and musician herself, Nancy played and taught piano, marched as a clarinetist in her high school band, played organ for her church as a young adult and was a Charter member of the Spartan Bell Ringers, traveling to the White House in 1955 to perform. She attended symphony concerts and The Gilmore Piano Festival and enjoyed participating in the “Kitchen band” at Friendship Village later in life. Nancy appreciated the joys in life. She stayed busy on a less physical level with art, playing games, reading, and socializing. She was known for her genuine hospitality, loyal friendships and bringing family together. Join us to celebrate her life June 3, 2023, at 2:00 PM, Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th St., a reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Alzheimer Assoc., or a charity of your choice. To view Nancy’s personalized guestbook, please visit https://www.langelands.com