Orpha Deering

EMPIRE — Surrounded by family, Orpha Dorothy Nachazel Deering, 88, a life-long resident of Leelanau County, passed away peacefully on Jan. 30, 2011.She was born in Maple City on March 11, 1922, to Peter P. and Eva L. (Rosinski) Novak. She married Richard Adolf Nachazel, who preceded her in death. She later married Warren Deering. He also preceded her in death.In the past, Orpha enjoyed singing in St. Rita's Catholic Church choir in Maple City, and serving on the Hospitality Committee at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire. She volunteered her time for local blood drives, and for many years had been employed at Votruba's in Traverse City.Orpha loved keeping a comfortable home. She enjoyed cooking, quilting, knitting and painting, her watercolors hanging throughout her home. In summer, Orpha would be found tending her flower gardens and shooing away the deer. She enjoyed visiting with friends who were so dear to her, loving her family gatherings, especially when the grand- and great-grandchildren played their instruments at summer beach parties, and the family's traditional "happy hour." Her thoughtful guidance, wonderful smile, happy hour toasts and great spirit will forever be cherished.Orpha is survived by her daughter, Jeannette Nachazel (Thomas) Lackey, of Bath and Empire; Richard Joseph (Judy) Nachazel, of Ramona, Calif.; seven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Also surviving is her sister, Elizabeth Mikoski, of Brighton; and her brothers, Peter (Mary Ellen) Novak, of Traverse City and Clarence (Mary) Novak, of Livonia.In addition to her parents and husbands, Orpha was preceded in death by a brother, Dorman Novak; infant brother, Edward Novak; and brother-in-law, Edwin Mikowski.The family is so thankful for the Munson doctors and nurses and TenderCare of Leelanau for the outstanding, thoughtful and loving care for Orpha. She was grateful for these wonderful people.Visitation for Orpha will take place from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire.The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Friday, Feb. 4, also at the church, with The Rev. Fr. William Lipscomb presiding. Burial will be in St. Rita/St. Joseph Cemetery in the spring.The family asks that Orpha be remembered through memorial contributions to the Traverse City Habitat for Humanity or to St. Philip Neri Catholic Church.You are asked to share your favorite memory of Orpha with her family by way of her online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Orpha Deering

January 30, 2011