Nives Valeria Poldrugo

Poldrugo, Ms.

Nives Valeria

Nives Valeria Poldrugo, age 78, passed away on January 24th, 2025 in Muskegon, Michigan surrounded by her loved ones. Nives was born on October 2nd, 1946 in Albona, Istria, Italy to Antonio and Maria Poldrugo; immigrating to America at just 5 years old. She grew up in New York City before moving to Michigan for college. She fulfilled her mother's wishes of attending Michigan State University where she earned a Bachelor's in Arts for Foreign Language. For over 30 years, she transformed her classroom into a dynamic space where learning a new language felt like an adventure, using music, games, and storytelling to immerse her students into the languages and cultures she taught. Her career consisted of working in the school districts of Grand Blanc, Muskegon Heights, Muskegon Catholic Central, and Mona Shores impacting a multitude of students teaching Spanish and French. A memorable experience in her teaching career was fundraising and advocating for a once in a lifetime international experience where she traveled to Spain with seven of her students from Muskegon Heights. While her passion was teaching K-12 students, she also taught Italian classes for Muskegon Community College.

She was a woman who radiated warmth and kindness, always ready with an encouraging word. Her creativity flowed through everything she did. She was known for crafting delicious homemade cannoli that brought smiles to everyone who tasted them; proudly representing her Italian heritage by playing her accordion; and painting vibrant, expressive pieces that capture the beauty of the world around her. She was resourceful, finding inventive solutions to any challenge, always with a positive attitude that lifts those around her.

SURVIVORS

Children, Tony Poldrugo, and Syvette Cox; grandchildren Alesandra (David), Audrie, Matteo, Tyri, Aiden, Tiegan, and bonus grandchild Kyle; great grandchildren Calliope and Zaphira; nephews and nieces Lucianno, Bernadetta, Maurizio (Caterina), Claudio; sister Adele (Chris); daughter in law Chanda; brother in law Bernardo; and former son in law Nicholas. Nives was preceded in death by her parents Antonio and Maria Poldrugo; sister Annamaria Poldrugo; son in law Jeffrey Beagle

SERVICES

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 8, 2024 at St. Marys Catholic Church 196 W Webster Avenue Muskegon. Visitation will take place 1 hour prior to the start of the mass at church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimers Association in Memory of Nives Valeria Poldrugo.