Nancy Repp Obituary
Nancy was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Ernest and Elisabeth (Reed) Lyman. Soon after, the family moved to Urbana, Illinois, where Nancy attended Leal Elementary, graduated from Urbana High in 1960, and earned her education degree from DePauw University in 1964.
Nancy's first teaching position was in Racine, Wisconsin where she met her future husband, John. After their marriage in 1965, they moved to Dearborn, Michigan, where Nancy taught at Duvall Elementary while at the same time earning her Master of Arts in Education degree from the University of Michigan. After the birth of their first son in 1968, she put her teaching career on hold. During that period while her boys were young, she served as president of the Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church Co-op Preschool.
In 1979 the family moved to Grosse Ile, Michigan, where she taught at Meridian and Parke Lane Elementary schools. From 1994 - 2000, Nancy and John lived in Germany where Nancy taught at the Bonn International School. After returning home, she resumed teaching until retiring in 2003. In retirement, they enjoyed spending timing between Grosse Ile and Frankfort, Michigan.
She was a member of the choirs at her churches in Dearborn, Grosse Ile, Germany, and Beulah, Michigan. Music was a focal point in her life in addition to family, friends and students. She had many varied interests where she devoted her time, talents and energy with unwavering commitment for the benefit of others: her home churches, scouts, music, knitting for the needy, local libraries, and PEO. Nancy also had a healthy lifestyle including walking daily, aerobics and exercise. She loved sports, cheering on University of Michigan teams, the Detroit Tigers and all her grandkids at their skating, hockey, track, soccer and swim events.
To her grandkids, their sweet and gentle "Amma" will be remembered for making their favorite recipes, an endless supply homemade cookies, and sharing her love of books, knitting and baking.
She is survived by her husband, John Repp, sons Steven (Jamie), Paul (Aimee), David (Anita), grandchildren Elisabeth, Alexander, Elisabeth "Ellie", Andrew, Thomas, Amelia and Adam, siblings Richard (Chris), Jerome (Cathy) and Carl. She was predeceased by her parents and sister Elisabeth "Betsy" Rachal.
In lieu of flowers the family recommends donations to Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church or St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Beulah, Michigan in memory of Nancy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Laura (Sigarto) Grillo
March 28, 2024
I'm just now finding out about the passing of Mrs. Repp. She was my 2nd grade teacher the year before she moved to Germany and still stands out as the best teacher I have ever had. She had so much patience with a child who was both smart, and who couldn't sit still. She took the time to work with me, get to know me as a student, and to make me feel cared for, and special. I know she made all of her other students feel the same way. My sincere condolences to her family. She lit up the lives of others.
Ray and Dianne Farah
January 13, 2024
I met Nancy in Koln, Germany 25 years ago when our husbands were transferred overseas with Ford Motor Company. Of all the women I met there, I liked Nancy the best. She was cheerful, thoughtful, kind, accomplished, and she was fun. I am sure all the children she taught over the years remember her as a favorite teacher; all the choirs she sang for remember her as a disciplined and reliable member; and those who knew her remember her as a firm friend, as I do.
We both returned to Detroit, and kept in touch. After we moved to another state 10 years ago, we continued to send Christmas cards. Last December Nancy did not. I wondered if she had given up the custom, like so many have. But this year I thought something was wrong, and began to look for her. It is with great sadness that we found her obituary. She will always be a sparkling light in my memory. God bless her. As we say in our church, she is in a place of sweet repose, where all sickness, suffering and sorrow have fled away. May her memory be eternal.
John, please accept our sincerest condolences to you and the family. We were not aware of her passing until now.
Jim Baudino
January 16, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Mrs Repp provided so many fond memories growing up as a close friend of David. Her warm smile was always welcoming and her cookies were the best on the island. I remember many sleepovers and morning breakfasts at the Repps. She instilled a sense of peace and even when the boys would get into trouble, usually David and Paul fighting ;) I remember her always staying calm and collected.
Sending lots of love to your family.
Donald and Joanne Smith
January 14, 2023
We are very sorry for your loss John. In reading we are reminded how dedicated Nancy was to you, her family and those who passed through her life.
Donald and Joanne Smith
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Rosalyn Glavin
January 5, 2023
I miss you so. Our morning walks are not The same without you.
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