Nadine Glassman

Nadine Glassman's life path took her through many challenges and many triumphs. She was a devoted wife and mother, a good friend to many, and a joyful woman all around. She was vibrant in character and found her greatest delight in her children. Born on December 18, 1927 in Eldridge, Missouri to Elvis Anthony and Nellie Lee (Berry) Wilson, Nadine was welcomed into a loving family. Nadine joined her older brother Arthur, and was followed by two younger siblings, Pauline and Coleen, who Nadine affectionately called "Coke." Nadine would have had another older brother, Aaron, but he sadly died in his infancy. The group was a tight-knit family, and Nadine and her siblings were close with their cousins as well. Nadine was a young girl living through the depression era of the thirties, and times were tough. When she was just six years old, the family moved to Fruitport, Michigan to find better work. Her father became a woodworker at E.H. Sheldon Co. while her mother stayed at home with the children. Although Nadine was a promising student, she felt it was more important to work to support her family, so she left school in the tenth grade to work at a celery farm as well as a pickle farm. It was not unlike Nadine to put the needs of others above her own. It did not take long for Nadine to blossom into a smart and beautiful young woman. She eventually met a man by the name of Russell Stroup, to whom she would be married. They lived in a garage on Ellis Road for two years, and even though times were tough for the young couple, they thrived in their love for one another. Russell found work as a fireman and Nadine worked as well. They were blessed with three children, Ronald, Vicki, and Raylene. Nadine and Russell worked so often that they relied on their children being somewhat independent, which developed a maturity in their children at a young age. Some of the jobs Nadine worked throughout her life included bank teller, Fruitport Treasurer, Manager at Hertz, and Walmart Greeter. Nadine would do any job that allowed her to support her family. As a mother, Nadine was strong-willed. She didn't take no for an answer, and pushed her children to be the best they could be in all their endeavors. She was said to be the second worst housekeeper in the world next to her mother, which was a humorous family joke they liked to tease her about. Nadine played a lot of catch with her son, Ron, when he was growing up, especially little league and beyond. Family bonding was important, and the crew often went for boating trips, water skiing on Grand River with their friends the Becklins and the Raymonds. The family loved to spend time outdoors, even though Nadine was famously terrified of snakes and even earthworms (which she considered snakes). Old Fashioned Days at Fruitport were special and she enjoyed having family over for grilling hot dogs and telling stories over a bon fire. Every summer, the family took a trip to School Section Lake near Hesperia where they camped, fished and swam. The family took one trip to Florida and many trips to Missouri, where they visited family. There was nothing more important to Nadine than spending time with her loved ones. To her, every day was an opportunity to show her family how much she loved them. Unfortunately, the family was struck with great tragedy when Russell died in 1978. Being the strong woman that she was, however, Nadine pushed on. She found love again with Ronald Glassman, though they were eventually divorced. Despite these unfortunate circumstances, Nadine was never without good friends. She was especially close with her sister, who she spoke to almost daily. The two were known for talking for hours and becoming giggly like school kids. Nadine also had very special friendships with Barb Wilson and Shirley Becklin, who were always there for her. Nadine was raised Baptist, and as her faith became more and more important to her she became a member at Fruitport Congregational Church, UCC in 1988. She was an avid T.V. game show and cooking show watcher, and it was said that Nadine's appetite allowed her to out-eat any man at the table! She was an active member of the Cummings School Reunion Committee as well as the Fruitport High School Booster's Club, where she made many lasting friendships. Later in life, Nadine was overjoyed to become a grandparent. It was said she was a better grandmother than mother, and was able to get down to their level. She bragged constantly of their accomplishments and would take any opportunity to talk about her grandchildren to absolutely anyone. A favorite activity of Nadine's in her later years seemed to be going to the hospital to get attention and then make a miraculous recovery. To all who had the blessing of knowing her, Nadine Glassman was a strong willed and genuine woman whose love for her family knew no bounds. She was a loving wife and mother, a hardworking provider, and a dedicated friend. Sadly, Nadine struggled with serious health issues for years. She passed away peacefully on Friday, April 22, 2011, surrounded by family and friends. She will be so deeply missed. Survivors include her son, Ron (Lynn) Stroup of Spring Lake; daughters, Vicki Schultz of Spring Lake, Raylene Sparkes of Baldwin; 5 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sister, Coleen "Coke" Christiansen of Fruitport; brother, Arthur Wilson of Fruitport; special nieces, Dorine, Gail. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Russell and sister, Pauline Batch. Service will be held Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 11:00 AM and visitation 1 hour prior to the service at Fruitport Congregational United Church of Christ with Pastor Donald Wood officiating. Interment at Fruitport Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.