Nancy Rubinsky

Some people are content to live in quiet complacency, herded through life unaffected, and unengaged. Nancy Rubinsky certainly wasn't one of them. She was a remarkable woman, who led a remarkable life, a woman who was never afraid to stand up, or to speak out. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife and friend, but more than anything, Nancy was a woman who made a difference to the world around her. Nancy's story began on a hot summer day in 1930, in the city of Muskegon, Michigan, along the Lake Michigan shore. Those were such dark, difficult days in this country, which was caught in the quagmire of the Great Depression. Nearly a quarter of Americans were out of work, and even more were running out of hope for better days. Yet on August 15, 1930, Paul and Wilhelmina "Billie" (Nielsen) Scouten found reason to celebrate, with the birth of their first child, a beautiful baby girl they named Nancy Lou. Nancy was the oldest of three children in the Scouten's home on Ada Street in Muskegon, joined later by her younger sister Carole and little brother Richard. Her father worked as a milkman, while her mother taught piano lessons. Nancy was particularly influenced by her mother's example growing up, as she was a very talented, cultured lady. Billie had a knack for playing the piano while telling stories, using the music to enhance the storyline. Even when money was so tight in those days, Nancy's mother bought a Grand piano, realizing it was good to invest in something that lasts. Her mother, naturally, also taught Nancy to play as well. When Nancy was just a toddler, she was playing in the front yard when she crawled out onto the road. Miraculously, the family dog, Sandy, pulled her to safety by her diaper! Sandy, naturally, was a beloved member of a very close-knit family, which included Nancy's maternal grandparents, the Nielsens, who lived across the street. Nancy spent a great deal of time with them, and they became very close. It also made Nancy want to always live close to her parents throughout her life. Nancy enjoyed a wonderful childhood, and in the summertime the family did plenty of camping, and eventually they bought a cottage on Bass Lake, near Twin Lake, Michigan. They spent so many sun-kissed summers there, where they made many lifelong friends. Nancy attended Muskegon High School, where she played the cello in the orchestra (though she confessed she wasn't very good!). Nancy was, however, an excellent student, and earned a scholarship to the Hackley School of Nursing, where she attended and graduated. Wanting to further her schooling, Nancy decided to go to New York City to study Orthopedic Nursing. Though the move to the big city was scary at first, Nancy eventually loved it. With encouargement from medical collegues she enrolled at Columbia University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Nursing. Life in New York and Columbia University changed Nancy. It opened her eyes and she learned to stand up, and speak out. It was a time of activism in this country, in the 1950s, and Nancy became deeply involved in the cause for women's equality, a lifelong passion for her. After she graduated from Columbia, Nancy returned to Muskegon, where she began working at Hackley Hospital, and also teaching at the Nursing school there. After just a year back home, however, she was awarded a scholarship to earn her Master's degree in Nursing at Columbia, so she once again returned to New York. Nancy stayed in the city three more years, going to school and also teaching at Mt. Sinai School of Nursing. She thoroughly enjoyed it there, dated some, and loved life in the city. When she graduated, she returned to Muskegon and Hackley Hospital, and began the next chapter of her life. One day while working at the hospital she met a handsome, funny, friendly man named Louis Rubinsky, who worked at Clock Funeral Home. On their first date, Louis took Nancy to the funeral home, where he played the pipe organ for her. He was very good, and played fun music, too. They hit it off, despite their age difference, as he was 44 and Nancy was 30 at the time, and they began dating. After a year-long courtship, they were married, and moved into a little upstairs apartment on Peck Street. Nancy began working in a doctor's office for awhile, before returning to Hackley School of Nursing to teach. Not long after, Muskegon Community College decided to start its own nursing program, and enlisted Nancy's aid. She became a vital part of the program, helping build it into a very successful school, and she was very proud of its successes over the years. Nancy's personal life was as rewarding as her professional career, as well. She loved her life with Louis, and appreciated him for his humor and compassion. Louis helped her through some emotional problems over the years, and they shared so many special times together, as well. They traveled all over the country, visiting relatives or simply seeing the sights. When Louis retired, he stayed at home and became a wonderful cook. Sadly, he died in 1992, which was very hard on Nancy, who also battled her own health troubles. She had back problems, and it eventually forced her to go on disability in 1994. After her retirement, Nancy devoted her time and energy to the many causes and organizations she supported. Nancy was an active member of the American Association of University Women, the National Organization of Women, the NAACP, Voter Education Coalition, Project Literacy, Stephen's Ministry, Institute for Healing Racism, Mission of Area People, Michigan Organizing Project, Muskegon Community Health Project, Planned Parenthood, and many environmental groups, as well. Stand up, speak out, that was Nancy. She also ran for the Muskegon Community College Board of Trustees, which she was elected to and served for 12 years. Her service to her community earned her many awards and accolades over the years, for promoting diversity and opportunities for women and girls in the community, and in 2007 she was named one of the Most Influential Woman in Muskegon. She never did any of it for the awards, of course. She did it because it was the right thing to do. In 1998, a mutual friend introduced her to a wonderful man named Marion Frantz, and they quickly began dating. Nancy and Marion formed a special relationship, and after he developed health problems, Marion moved in with Nancy. Though they never married, they shared many wonderful years together, traveling, taking cruises, attending community events, or just talking about politics, or what they read in the paper. Nancy also found companionship in a stray cat named Bubalah, who she found in 1997 at the Cherry County Playhouse, becoming such a good friend to her. She also found friendship as a member of Lake Harbor Methodist Church, and as a friend of Congregation B'Nai Israel. Nancy's connection with God was a very important part of her life. In 2006, Nancy was diagnosed with cancer. After many discussions with her doctors, she decided to forego surgery, opting instead to deal with things on her own terms, just as she always had. Nancy died on April 12, 2007 Nancy was a woman who was never afraid to stand up, to speak out, with honesty, clarity and integrity. She was a remarkable woman, who lived a remarkable life, a beloved daughter, sister, wife and friend. Most of all, Nancy was a woman who lived - and led - by example, an example that lives on in all who knew her. She is survived by her sister Carole Trap of California, brother, Richard (Lynda) Scouten of California; 3 nephews,Bob, Steve and Mike; 3 nieces,Sherry, Nannett and Lori; 2 "special" granddaughters and best friend and companion Marion Frantz. Services for Nancy will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2007, 1:00 PM at Lake Harbor United Methodist Church with Rev. Susan Hagans & Rev. Chris Lane officiating. A reception will be held at Clock Life Story Funeral Home, immediately following the service, where you are invited to visit with the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider the Louis & Nancy Rubinsky Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of Muskegon County, 425 W. Western, Muskegon, MI 49440. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.