Nancy Ann Coles

Nancy Ann (Rouen) Coles, 93, died peacefully November 8, 2025.
Nancy was born in Highland Park, MI, one of 4 daughters (Jeanne, Estelle, Marion) and a son (Tom) of Frank and Francis Rouen (all deceased). Nancy graduated from Blessed Sacrament Grade School, Mercy High School, and Marygrove College (1954, the graduating class's president).
Nancy and Thomas B. Coles, Jr., M.D. celebrated 69 years of marriage on June 9, 2025. Their seven children are Thomas, Peter (Sue Bourget), Kathleen (Charles) Nemes, Mary Claire (Michael) Kastenholz, Brian (Jennifer), Dennis, and Michael (Susan). Grandchildren are Anna (Justin), Stephen, Adam, Patrick, Christopher (Lisa), Andrew (Juti), Kara, Keith (Sarah), Daniel, Nicholas, Katelyn, Scout, Stuart, Keegan (Anya), and Logan. Great-grandchildren are Charles, Sofia, Isabella, Ava, Callum, and Ellis.
Nancy joined Tom, who was in the USAF's Medical Service Corps, in Germany and France 1957-59.
Then Nancy and Tom lived in Allen Park, MI for six years before moving to Grosse Pointe where they remained for 56 years. In 2021, they moved to a senior residence in Novi, MI, to be closer to family.
Nancy and Tom have been members of St. Paul on the Lake, Grosse Pointe Farms, since 1965 where Nancy was a choir member, catechist, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, sacristan, and acolyte.
Nancy was a volunteer in the Bon Secours Hospital's Assistance League for many years, serving twice as co-chair of the annual Christmas Bazaar. Nancy was active in her children's grade school and high school parent groups, and when her youngest went off to college, Nancy became a Grosse Pointe Realtor for 20 years.
Nancy and Tom had many close friends and were members of a college potluck group for about 55 years and of a Grosse Pointe potluck group for almost 40 years. One of Nancy's favorite sayings when serving dinner was, "Start eating while it's hot. We'll pray when I sit down!" Nancy loved to cook and bake, usually dozens of chocolate cookies at a time. She was known as the "pecan pie lady," making pies for someone sick, for a family with a member who had died, and for the rectory.
Nancy shared the characteristics of the song "When Irish Eyes are Smiling," being a very warm, friendly and cheerful person. Nancy had a full and active life and will be greatly missed.
The funeral Mass will be at St. Paul on the Lake, 157 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 10:00am with a gathering beginning at 9:30am.
No flowers please. Donations may be made to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF.org). 100% of donations go to research as operational expenses are covered by two family foundations.