Nancy Dundas Luthardt

Nancy Dundas Luthardt, 86, of Glen Arbor, Michigan, passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Orchard Creek Supportive Care. Nancy was born on September 22, 1939, in Berkley, Michigan, to the late Chester Howden and Augusta Louise (Winspur) Dundas. She graduated from Berkley High School and went on to attend Detroit Bible College for several years. In her early years, she also worked in the real estate industry as a secretary, where she was renowned for her exceptionally fast typing, along with her organization and well-developed “people skills.” Nancy met the love of her life, Frederick William Luthardt Sr., after several encounters at Sunday school and while helping in the church mail room. Their friendship blossomed into a beautiful love story. Fred proposed, and they were married on September 7, 1963, in the garden of her brother the Rev. Chester Dundas, who also officiated. She was a beautiful bride, and Fred adored her deeply. Together, they devotedly raised three wonderful sons: Fred Jr., Don, and Eric. The family moved many times across the country in support of Fred Sr.’s academic pursuits leading to his work, directing a laboratory in Seattle, Washington for over 30 years. Through every transition, Nancy remained constantly nurturing and supportive of her family. She was also well-loved as a motherly influence to many others, being a profoundly caring presence for the young people she encountered, many of whom benefited from her help, sensitivity, and advocacy. Nancy was a spiritually committed person who enjoyed participating in many church activities, including leading Bible studies. And being active in her church and Community, while in her youth, she visited families in need in downtown Detroit. Later, while raising her growing family, she served as a relief foster parent at a home for troubled boys; she also was a Cub-Scout “den mother” for her sons and others. Throughout her later years, she took great pleasure in joining her friends in book clubs. Nancy’s love for serving others continued. After her sons left home, she began volunteering at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, where she dutifully worked in the gift shop for 25 years. She was a well-known and remarkable presence at the hospital, always being warm, welcoming, and full of life. While at the gift shop, she delighted in making stuffed animals come alive to help comfort adults and children patients alike. She even went the extra mile by bringing balloons to patients to brighten their day. In recognition of her commitment to patient well-being, Nancy eventually became Chairman of the Volunteer Organization and later served as President of the Ladies Auxiliary, a prestigious and meaningful role she attended to with dedication and pride. She had a special gift for making people laugh and feel at ease. Nancy loved entertaining family and friends in her home with songs and jokes, and was known for her warmth, humor, spontaneity, and kindness. Though she was modest about her cooking, those who gathered around her table knew the meal was all about the fellowship. One of the favorite meals of the family was humorously known as “Luthardt’s Lousy Leftovers.” Also, for many years, Nancy was the neighborhood source for popcorn, especially around Halloween. Nancy also loved knitting and taught her nieces how to knit. She was especially talented at making her beloved potholders, blankets, and scarves which became treasured keepsakes for many. Eventually, Nancy and Fred settled in Glen Arbor, Michigan, where she was happy to return home to her beloved state of Michigan. Nancy will be remembered for her loving heart, generous spirit, quick wit, the joy she brought to all who knew her, and her ability to make everyone feel special and valued. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and kindness that will live on in her family and community forever. She is survived by her husband, Frederick William Luthardt Sr., of 62 devoted years; her sons Frederick “Fred” (Maureen) Luthardt Jr., of Columbia, MD; Donald “Don” (Amy) Luthardt, of Vancouver, WA; and Eric Luthardt, of Maple City, MI. Nancy, affectionately known as “Nana,” had eight beloved grandchildren: Frederick “Liam” William Luthardt III, Rachel, Donald “DJ” Luthardt Jr. (Tabby), Joshua, Marissa, Jacob, Mia, and Autumn. Finally, Nancy is also survived by her brother, the Rev. Jack Dundas and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, and her siblings Ivy (Bob) Hart, Phyllis (Frank) DeFillipo, Violet (Hugh) Atkins, Chester (Rhoda) Dundas, and June (Bill) Krueger. Burial will take place at a later date at the family plot at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, Michigan, with a memorial celebration of life to follow. Her family is being cared for by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Nancy Dundas Luthardt

August 22, 1939 - February 17, 2026