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Grand Rapids, Michigan

Nancy Sheffield Obituary

Nancy (Brauker) Sheffield Grand Rapids Nancy (Brauker) Sheffield, aged 51 of Grand Rapids MI, formerly of Lansing, passed away June 13, 2009. Surviving are her son, Andrew Ladwig; her mother, Barbara (Brauker) Kaye of Lansing; her brother, Ric Brauker; and her dear friend, Rob VanEck of Rockford. She was preceded in death by her father Wayne F. Brauker. Nancy was a teacher consultant and special education curriculum specialist for the Grand Rapids Public Schools also an adjunct professor at Aquinas College, Calvin College and Grand Valley State University. A memorial service will be Wednesday, June 17 at 2:00 p.m. in the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials are welcomed to the Grand Rapids Foundation: Good Classrooms Program. The family will receive friends Tuesday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service, 4291 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids. www.metcalfandjonkhoff.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Battle Creek Enquirer from Jun. 15 to Jun. 16, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Sheffield

Not sure what to say?





Deb Fillmore-Snow

July 7, 2009

Dear Andrew, Rob, Ric and Barbara,

Please forgive my late condolences.

I worked with Nancy, since I began with GRPS 15 years ago. She taught me
many things to enrich my teaching, as she was a language arts expert.

Nancy was kind, supportive (emotionally and professionally), and fuuny. She always made me laugh, and appreciated a good story. We shared
cat stories, her Elvis (very sad) and Lucy, and my 2 cats. I just got a new kitten, and couldn't wait to tell her, but I never had a chance.

Andrew and Rob you were both always in her conversations. She was a happy mom and girlfriend. I know you will have many wonderful memories.

My thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,

Julie Anderson

June 22, 2009

I am saddened by the passing of Nancy. She was always a sweet, warm and friendly face to say hello to. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this time. (Grand Rapids Public Schools)

Nancy Vincent-Schroder

June 22, 2009

I received the news of Nancy's passing on Saturday and am so sorry to have missed the service here in Grand Rapids. My thoughts and prayers are with her son, brother, and mother. I know they were so dear to her.
I have been trying to locate Nancy for some time. I evidently was looking for the wrong last name. It has been 10 years since we last got together but I have thought of her often. I enjoyed following the accomplishments of her son in the newspaper.
Nancy was my best friend at Dwight Rich Jr. High and at Sexton High School. Even though her brother always called me "Tower", I enjoyed spending much time at her house. She helped me get through Geometry in High School. She was a great teacher even then!
She was a lovely person with so many talents. I must confess there were times I was jealous of her. I really hope she knew how much I appreciated and treasured her friendship.

My condolences to her family.

Kathy Barker

June 20, 2009

Andrew: going way back in your history my husband Bob and I met you thru your mother who was my colleague at GRPS. We had many days of laughs, highs and lows in our work. I remember her wearing 'stirrup pants' to work one day at West Middle and my declaring that they looked like the ski pants I wore under my dresses to school in elementary school and I would not be caught dead in them again in my life!! Within a few months we were all wearing them:)
I treasure the conversations and friendship we shared during our times. I also know how challenging it is to move thru this chapter in your life.
Know she was a wonderful human being, a talented educator and a joy to be around.

June 18, 2009

Hey everyone, I just wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers over the past week, as you all know my mom meant the world to me and I'll never forget her. She truly allowed me to live a life of fulfillment and happiness no matter what. My mom always taught me that life is measured not in the material world but in the friends you have and the lives you touch, and I can't begin to explain the outpouring of love and great memories I've heard in the past few days...it's truly been awe inspiring. Life doesn't give you any situation you can't handle, and looking forward in my own life I've truly been blessed with great family and friends. Again thanks to all of you, if anything the tough times of the past week have taught me how valuable the people in my mom's and my life prove to be, time and time again.

All the Best,
Andrew Ladwig

June 17, 2009

Dearest Andrew,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Be assured that we are here for you when you need comfort and friendship!
Fondly, Clare & Trevor Spathelf

Maribeth and Bob Newman

June 17, 2009

Andrew, We want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Jack values your friendship. Your sense of humor, honesty and intelligence stand you in good stead. Hold fast to the values your Mom represented and you will come through this time of grief. Allow your friends, including Jack, to help. Sincerely, Maribeth and Bob Newman

Sandy and Kevin Conzett

June 17, 2009

We are so very sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. Nancy shared with us her incredible strengh and kindness throughout the many years as our two sons grew up together. We will always cherish the love and happy times she shared with us. Andrew, we are deeply saddened by your loss. We will cherish the memories of the times we spent together with your Mother. We are with you during this time of grief. May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.

Jim and Jane Nawrocki

June 17, 2009

We are all so sad by the passing of Andrew's Mom. We never had the opportunity to meet Nancy. Andrew is a fine young man and our prayers will be for him to be touched by God in a way that he may be lifted to a level of spirituality that will help him accept and get through this very difficult loss.
Sincerely,
Jim and Jane Nawrocki

Erin Carlson

June 17, 2009

Nancy was an amazing person! I was fortunate to be one of her students at Aquinas. I admired her wisdom, intelligence, spirit, and wit. She empowered me as a mother and educator through her teaching and for that I will be forever grateful. I am deeply saddened by her passing and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

Amy Anderson-Hobbie

June 16, 2009

I'm so very sorry to hear about Nancy. She is such a great person and always made me laugh. I enjoyed knowing her over the years and we always talked about her kitties and her son (who she was SO proud of). She became a hair client of mine in 2007 and I also knew her from my Mom who worked with Nancy for many years, she was always smiling and so happy. She will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family at this time of greif and sorrow. We will miss you Nancy.

Mark and Christine Darnell

June 16, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with her beloved son Andrew. Nancy was a charming woman, a loving mother and a strong compassionate soul. We are so sad to hear the news of her passing.

Deepest sympathies,

Mark and Christine Darnell

Sally Burden, Michigan IDA

June 16, 2009

The Michigan Branch of the International Dyslexia Association is saddened to hear of Nancy's passing. She served on the board for many years - including several years as President. She shared her professional and personal skills, as well as her heart on behalf of people with dyslexia. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.

Bambi Marshall

June 16, 2009

Nancy,
I will miss all the laugh's, and we had lots of those. Thanks for all your knowledge and expertise on the MOCI curriculum.

Bambi Marshall
Special Education Advocate

Robin (Robbie) Becksfort

June 16, 2009

Nancy will very surely be missed by the Special Education staff of Grand Rapids Public. I have really enjoyed the years of working with Nancy and absorbing some of her knowledge, experience and having my class used as her "guinea pigs" for a new program. I will continue to keep the family in my thoughts and prayers.

Arlene Nelson-Donders

June 16, 2009

Really sorry to hear about Nancy. My husband Jacobus and our children who were tutored by Nancy for several years are very sad to hear of her passing. We will pray for you her family. Corey and Laura owe a lot to Nancy to helping them be succesful in school. Her legacy will live on in them. Thank you so much.

Marti Knoll-Loader

June 15, 2009

My thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Nancy...including her extended family at Aquinas College. She was an awesome instructor, true inspiration and dear friend to myself and many of the students at Aquinas. I will deeply miss our crazy e-mails, giggling after class, and thought provoking discussions, all of which have left an impression on me, and has helped shape my teaching. I will miss you my friend.

Karen Hewartson (GRPS)

June 15, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of Nancy's death. Her family is in my prayers. May the Lord help you at this difficult time.

Lisa Fahling-Bowerman

June 15, 2009

I was deeply saddened by the news of Nancy's passing. She was a great teacher, leader and friend. She will be greatly missed by the special education staff at Grand Rapids Public Schools. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work and learn from the BEST.

Mark Dietrich

June 15, 2009

I was deeply saddened to hear of Nancy's passing. She was for me "the girl next door" as we attended school together from kindergarten(Lewton Elementary) through Michigan State. I have many fond memories of great times together. I specifically remember all the times she typed my papers for me while in high school. I would have had a tough time without her help. Although not as close in recent years I always enjoyed our conversation when we did see each other at family events. May God bless her family and give them strength at this difficult time and find peace that she is now in a better place.

Leigh Poortenga (Aquinas College Student)

June 15, 2009

Nancy was such an inspiration as a teacher and educator. The kindness that she bestowed upon me will never be forgotten. She now has passed the torch to us future educators--we have big shoes to fill. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and passion for what is right and needed for all students to receive a proper education. I will miss your encouraging words and love for life. You were beautiful in body and in spirit. May God bless you and receive you in heaven with open arms. My thought and prayers are with you, your dear family and friends that you have left behind on your journey to heaven.

Jennifer Partridge

June 15, 2009

I am so saddened to hear of Nancy's passing. I enjoyed having her as a professor at Aquinas College. She taught me many valuable tools that I will be able to use as I pursue a career in special education. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

Ericka Zelasko

June 15, 2009

My prayers and thoughts are with everyone. Nancy was an amazing woman and will be remembered always. She was full of life and had a passion for what she did. All Aquinas students that have had her were all touched by her in so many ways. May God be with everyone in this difficult time

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