Nadine Mary Begin

Old Mission Peninsula – Nadine Mary Begin, 86, of Old Mission Peninsula passed away December 1, 2018 at her home with her family by her side. The family is saddened to say farewell to her earthly body, but know her soul is at rest with her lifelong companion, Jesus. Nadine was born on January 15, 1932 in Grand Rapids to the late Joseph and Helen (Fifelski) Grasinski. She was baptized as Patricia Mary at Sacred Heart Church in Grand Rapids. At age 18, she was called to a life of faith by joining the Felician Sisters where she earned a Master’s Degree in Home Economics and taught students for 22 years. As a nun, her name became Sister Nadine. Most would agree that “Nadine” was a far more fitting moniker for the elegant woman she became after setting aside her unadorned nun dresses to don exquisite and bright outfits after exiting the convent. In 1970 she met a “handsome and debonair” priest at St. Margaret Mary in Detroit. After the two made their own decisions to seek a different life and retire from their positions, they were married on October 4, 1974, the Feast day of St. Francis and Bob’s birthday. On March 10, 1978, at the age of 46, she welcomed a daughter, Marie-Chantal. She described the moment as “nothing on earth can compare to the ecstasy of God’s presence” as when receiving her baby in her arms. In 1983 the two purchased land on Old Mission Peninsula and begin planting a vineyard, opening Chateau Chantal together in 1993. Setting her decorating, cooking and hosting skills to work, she warmly served guests daily for 10 years. To provide her guests with a compendium of her recipes, she wrote a book called “Feed my lambs, feed my sheep; the meals and memories of a lifetime” in 2009. The “last intense joy of her life” was the arrival of a grandson, Luca, who called her Busia, Polish for Grandma. He brought a little piece of heaven down to earth with his smiles, laughter, and play. Nadine’s life was one of giving. Through her talents, she provided love and comfort to friends and strangers alike on an unparalleled level. There wasn’t a day without music, laughter, delicious food, love, and prayer. The everyday was celebrated and special. Nadine is survived by her husband of 44 years Bob; daughter Marie-Chantal (Paul) Dalese and grandson Luca. She is also survived by her sisters Carol Matecki, Angel (Jim) Erdmans and Mari (Raphael) Capila; and sister-in-law Elaine Grasinski. Nadine was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Frances Hrouda, Genevieve Grasinski and Joseph Grasinski. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 12 Noon with visitation beginning one hour prior. Interment will take place after the mass at St. Joseph’s cemetery. All invited to Chateau Chantal for refreshments and to share memories with the family following the services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution’s in Nadine’s honor may be directed to St. Joseph’s Parish. St Joseph Parish Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories and condolences with the family. The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Nadine Mary Begin

January 15, 1932 - December 1, 2018