Nancy Rowe Mistele

Nancy Rowe Mistele of the Old Mission Peninsula went home to be with her Lord and Savior at the age of 98 on September 5, 2024. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Britton (Britt) Mistele, her parents Herbert and Sadie Rowe, her infant sister Betty, and many, many lifelong friends and extended family members.

Born and raised in Detroit, Nancy graduated Wayne State University and married Britt in 1947. Nancy and Britt relocated to Old Mission Peninsula after retiring from Birmingham in 1974. They became decades-long members of Grace Episcopal Church. Nancy was actively involved in the Altar Guild, the Prayer Shawl Ministry, and the Friday night game group for many years. She treasured each of her five grandchildren, traveling distances both long and short to attend countless soccer games, swim and gymnastics meets, and school events.

Our mom was smart, feisty, fiercely independent, and a lively conversationalist. She was practical, stoic, and a saver. She was also loving, encouraging, generous, and always ready to join in the fun. A voracious reader and strong believer in the importance of education, Nancy was a student to the end, with particular interests in history, politics and the church.

Nancy and Britt opened their homes and their hearts to all of our friends and family throughout the years, where water skiing, boating, lawn games, snowmobiling, and cook outs were regularly underway.

Nancy had a lifelong love of all animals and she never met a cat or dog she didn't love, including her German Shepherds and Golden Retriever, Sadie, and current feline companion Carly. She enjoyed the challenge her flower gardens provided and took joy in saving flowers and plants that others would have relegated to the compost pile. She helped a number of ferns and geraniums live for decades.

The family would like to thank Nancy's wonderfully kind and helpful neighbors and friends, Eric and Kathie Dreier, for helping make it possible for Nancy to remain in her own home into her nineties. Nancy loved her home on West Bay and the ever-changing views the bay provided.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the faithful and kind AdvisaCare staff at Glen Eagle who helped us take such tender care of mom over the past few years.

Nancy is survived by her children, Kathleen Perry (David) of Richmond, VA, Britton Mistele, Jr. of Traverse City, and Janet Mistele (Tim Martin) of Traverse City; grandchildren David Perry (Megan), Brittany Burkett (Jeff), Chase Perry (Athena), Walker Mistele, and Abigail Mistele; along with eight great-grandchildren Zoe, Elijah, Levi, Libby, Jesse, Aiden, Asher, and Adelaide. We will all carry "Great Grandma" in our hearts always. We love you Mom and are thankful for your faithful witness and how you loved us all.

The funeral service celebrating Nancy's life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 11am, with visitation beginning at 10am, at Grace Episcopal Church on Washington Street in Traverse City. A light supper will follow in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Grace Episcopal Church Altar Guild, Cherryland Humane Society, or Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (5001 Angel Canyon Rd, Kanab, UT 84741) would fill Nancy's heart with joy!