Nancy Squires

Nancy Squires was a passionate, caring, determined woman who lived her life by being an example of a loving mother, doting grandmother and loyal friend. She was a constant in the lives of those that knew and loved her, very dependable and devoted. In her, her children found not only a wonderful mother, but also a friend. 1944 was a historically important year for people in the United States and abroad. As Franklin Roosevelt began his second term as President, the Battle of the Bulge began as Germans penetrated the Allied front in Belgium. While the war waged abroad, Dr. Robert Griffith and his wife, Doris (Galpin), of Muskegon, Michigan were doing their part back in the states as medical professionals Dr. Robert was a flight surgeon with the U.S. Air Force, while Doris was a Registered Nurse. Already the proud parents of daughter Carolyn, on June 1, 1944, the couple delighted in welcoming the birth of their second daughter, Nancy. When their son Charles arrived a few years later, Dr. Robert and Doris family was complete. Nancy was born and raised in Muskegon, and attended the area schools, including Nelson Elementary and Muskegon High. She played clarinet in the high school band. Her family was members of the St. Pauls Episcopal Church, where her Grandpa Galpin was the minister. It was here that Nancy was baptized and confirmed as a young girl. In 1964, Nancy donned cap and gown with the rest of her class to receive her high school diploma. Thereafter, she pursued her nursing degree at the Hackley School of Nursing. While here, Nancy met her first husband, Bill Bissen, who was one of her patients, and they began dating. The two were married in the mid 1960s, and had a beautiful daughter together in 1967, named Laurie. Unfortunately, their marriage ended after only a few years. After some time, Nancy found love again when she met Ray Squires, a manager of Plumbs Grocery Store. Hopelessly in love, the two were eventually married, and had two children together: Michelle (1970), and Ray (1973). Nancy stayed home when the children came, wanting to dedicate her time to raising them well. At some point, the family moved to Grand Haven, settling in a home on Howard Street, where Nancy resided the rest of her life. In the mid 1970s, Nancys marriage to Ray ended, and she returned to nursing in order to provide for her children. She worked as a RN in the Intensive Care Unit, ER and as a member of the Open Heart Surgery Team at Mercy Hospital for over 20 years. Nancy then went to work at the Kent County Correctional Facility as a nurse for the last 15 years. Nancys children were blessed with an active and fun-loving mother, who made every day interesting. Although she instilled traditional family values in her children, like sitting down to meals together, Nancy was also very open-minded and indulgent of untraditional ways. For instance, she took her teenagers to rock concerts, which their friends thought was so cool! Nancy took an active role in every phase of her kids lives. From band concerts and sporting events, to giving words of wisdom and a shoulder to lean on later in life, her passion was to support her family. In her leisure time, Nancy had many hobbies and activities she enjoyed. She loved to take her girls shopping, and being a doting grandmother to her precious granddaughter, Reese. Whether it was a day at the beach together or attending one of Reeses soccer games or dance recitals, Grandma Nancy was there with a proud smile on her face. Summertime was Nancys favorite time of the year when she could attend art fairs all up and down the Lake Michigan coast in cities like Pentwater and Charlevoix. She also loved supporting her community attending local events, including the Coast Guard Festival parade and the Fourth of July fireworks display. Her kids enjoyed sharing these events and time together. At home, Nancy enjoyed tending to her beloved garden of flowers and vegetables, which was once selected for the Grand Haven Garden Walk. Although a nature lover, Nancy had been very frustrated with the deer in the last year since they kept eating her vegetables before she got any. Above all, Nancys happiest moments always involved the time she spent with her loved ones - they were the ones who brought her life immeasurable joy. Just a few weeks ago, Nancy became ill and after several doctors visits and tests she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The disease spread rapidly, giving Nancy and her family little time to understand what was happening. Sadly, she died on Monday, June 8, 2009, at the age of 65. A devoted mother and grandmother, Nancy considered her family to be her greatest gift and blessing. Her legacy of love and dedication leaves her loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort. She will be dearly missed. Nancy is survived by her daughters, Laurie Squires of Spring Lake, Michelle Squires of Grand Haven; son, Raymond (Jennifer) Squires of Grand Haven; granddaughter, Reese Squires; sister, Carolyn (Michael) Kmiecik of WA; nephews, Carl & Martin Kmiecik. She was preceded in death by her brother, Charles, & nephew, Vincent. Services will be held on Thursday, June 11, at 1:00 p.m. in the Clock Chapel at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Grand Haven with Pastor Dina Hackert officiating. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 10, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Ottawa. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com where you may share a memory with Nancys family or sign her online guest book.