Nancy Fitch Lutey

MARQUETTE, MI - Nancy F. Lutey, age 93, of Marquette, MI, passed away on February 21, 2025, surrounded by her family at Trillium House in hospice care. Born on September 17, 1931, in Lansing, MI, she was the daughter of Clinton and Beatrice Fitch. In 1949, Nancy graduated from J.W. Sexton High School in Lansing. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from the University of Michigan in 1953, where she recalled being restricted from entering the front door of the Union building because she was a woman. She went on to earn a Master's degree in education in 1974 and an advanced degree as an education specialist in 1987, both from Northern Michigan University.
Nancy taught at Burns Park Elementary School in Ann Arbor, MI. In 1962, she moved to K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base with her first husband, Wallace Pearson, to fulfill his military obligation. Because of their love for the area and the potential for a new high school to be built, they relocated to Marquette in 1963. Nancy became a teacher and guidance counselor at Bothwell Middle School, later serving as a guidance counselor at Marquette Senior High School and eventually becoming an assistant principal. In 1976, she married Dick Lutey, and their blended family grew to include eight children and several vintage cars.
Nancy was a lifelong volunteer who was unwavering in her support of organizations and those in need. She was passionate about providing educational opportunities for everyone, especially women, through her 70-year sisterhood with P.E.O. She served as president and a board member of Child and Family Services for many years. She held leadership roles with the Marquette Beautification and Restoration Committee. She was a member of Marquette Hope United Methodist Church and a life member of the Marquette Regional History Center. She was dedicated to bringing cultural opportunities and experiences to her community and family.
Nancy was an athlete, and in her earlier years, she enjoyed swimming, playing tennis, and alpine and cross-country skiing. She appreciated traveling, and at the age of seven, during one of her first family camping trips, she saw the Hindenburg fall from the sky as her family traveled to New York. In Marquette, she treasured her time with the Coffee Girls and her book club, The Dozen Dames. She also looked forward to riding her e-bike too fast, celebrating life events with family and friends, and having their backyard pool be a gathering place for children and families.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Dick Lutey, and her children: Katie Ludlow of Petoskey, MI; Pam (Joe) McGraw of Traverse City, MI; Wally (Carrie) Pearson of Marquette, MI; and Cyndee (Tim) Hein of Camas, WA. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Tim (Becky) Lutey, Phil (Paula) Lutey, and Chris Lutey, all of Marquette, and her grandchildren, Caitlin Ludlow, Camden (Elyse) Ludlow, Ian and Connor McGraw, Taylor (Jeremy) Johnson, Elle and Sierra Pearson, Zachary and Riley Hein, Sara Lutey, Samantha (Randy) Schroeder, Jenna (Joe) Beaudry, Jake Lutey, Matthew Lutey, Morgan Lutey, Cameron (Rachel) Lutey, Amanda (Brett) Place, and ten great-grandchildren.
In honor of Nancy, donations may be made to Trillium House in Marquette, the Michigan P.E.O. fund, Marquette Beautification and Restoration Committee, and Marquette City Band Shell (checks should be made out to Marquette City Band with "Band Shell" in the memo line).
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Don Fitch and his wife Paddy of Escanaba, MI, as well as Nancy's stepson Russ Lutey.
A celebration of Nancy's life will be held in Marquette this summer.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com