Nancy K. Adamski

1940 - 2021

On Thursday, March 4, 2021, Nancy K. Adamski left this earth to go join her Lord and her loved ones who had gone before her. Nancy was born Sept. 15, 1940, in Onekama, to Sanford and Marion (Sweetland) Johnson. Nancy was raised on the family farm with her brother and sisters whom she loved dearly. It was here where Nancy embraced the importance of family and the value of hard work. In that hard work is where she developed the attitude and confidence that allowed her to live a long and adventurous life.

As a young woman, Nancy set off on an incredible journey with her best friend, husband and lifelong companion, Cliff Adamski. Cliff and Nancy set off to Juneau, Alaska to start their married life. After a few years they embarked on an amazing adventure when they relocated to the remote village of Annex Creek, Alaska. In Annex Creek, Nancy found that living a subsistence lifestyle was something that came naturally to her, and something she found great joy in. In a community only accessible by boat, float plane or helicopter, Nancy was responsible for pulling their livelihood from the earth. She would fish, garden, bake, knit and brew her way to a good life in this remote part of Alaska.

In this wilderness, Nancy fell in love with Alaska's mountains and wildlife, and cemented her identity as a powerful and fearless woman. Nancy and Cliff moved back to Manistee in 1969 to raise their children and be closer to family. Here, Nancy channeled her passion and ferocity to her role as mother. It was well known that Nancy's house was a place where all were welcome, and everyone would be fed.

Together with Cliff, Nancy raised five children: Eva, Sam, Nick, Heidi and Holly. She was a steady and vocal presence in not only their lives, but the lives of their friends, partners and eventually children. Nancy enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved conversation and keeping up to date on what was going on in the community. Sitting down at Nancy's house to share a coffee or Diet Coke, "Tell me some news" was a familiar phrase that still brings a smile.

The time that Nancy devoted to those around her will be remembered as one of her greatest gifts. Nancy spent time with people because she genuinely enjoyed it, and the tradition that it created. She was regularly there to share in the gift of everyday life. Nancy enjoyed doling out stories and baked goods with anyone that entered into her universe. She found great joy in giving to others, especially during the holidays.

Nancy's life was not without hardship, and in spite of the early deaths of two of her children and husband, she remained firmly rooted in her life and faith. Nancy had a big personality, a bigger heart and rarely minced words — making stories about her easy and fun to tell. She will be remembered through these stories for generations to come. She will be greatly missed.

Nancy is survived by her son Sam (Wendy) Adamski, of Manistee; daughters Heidi (Mike) Dunlap and Holly (Brian) Rutka, of Anchorage, Alaska; son-in-law Jeff Seng, of Manistee; daughter-in-law Janis Adamski, of Stratford, Iowa; and by 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. In addition, Nancy is survived by brother, Carl (Pat) Johnson; two sisters Pamela (Don) Beevis, Marsha (Mike) Wall; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 16 with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:30 with Fr. Richard Bartoszek celebrant. Burial of Nancy's cremated remains will follow in a family service at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, also in Manistee. Following the Mass friends are invited for a time of food and fellowship at the Manistee VFW.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.