Nancy S. Moyes

Nancy Sommerville Moyes, 76, of Traverse City passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025 after a ten year struggle with dementia. She died peacefully at French Manor, while under hospice care. Nancy was born on September 30, 1949 in Detroit to Wilson and Eleanor Sommerville. At an early age, Nancy discovered the power and beauty of music, which would soon become the passion that would guide her entire life. Her love of music took her first to Cass Technical High School and its music curriculum, then to John Brown University as a music major, and further, to a lifelong career as a middle school vocal teacher. Although Nancy never had children of her own, she treated the hundreds of kids she taught as “her kids!” Along the way, Nancy lent her beautiful voice to several groups and choirs, as well as solo work for numerous weddings. Her brothers agree that her voice was like Joan Baez, only a little better! After retiring to Traverse City with her husband Dave in 2001, Nancy joined the choir at FCC (now Mission Hill Church). She also played piano for a number of musicals at West High School. While dementia eventually took almost all of her memory, she could still sing and play the piano with a beautiful and sensitive touch. Finally towards the very end of her life, she lost the ability to play but continued to carry an armful of song books and hymnals with her whenever she left her room. She joined the choir immediately on entering her heavenly home. Nancy is survived by her brothers William (Donna) Sommerville and Larry (Linda) Sommerville, as well as Nieces and Nephews: Jill (John) Lay, Jeff Sommerville, Greg (Lynne Richards) Sommerville, Mitch Sommerville, and Katie (Aaron) Koronkowski and Grand Nieces Olivia and Elyse Koronkowski. She was preceded in death by her husband David S. Moyes of 26 years and her parents. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Mission Hill Church, 6105 Center Road, Traverse City. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be donated to Mission Hill Church, 6105 Center Rd. TC 49686 or Grand Traverse Musicale, PO Box 31 Williamsburg, MI 49690.

Nancy S. Moyes

September 30, 1949 - November 28, 2025