Nancy Mary Rade

Nancy Mary Rade, a proud and passionate advocate for her beloved Detroit, passed away on October 28, 2023, surrounded by her loving family in her hometown of Detroit, Michigan. She was 70 years old.
Nancy was a shining example of the Motor City's spirit and a self-proclaimed unofficial tourist ambassador for Detroit. She was quick to let anyone and everyone know that everything in Detroit truly was better. "The New York Philharmonic? Yeah, that's all fine and good - but have you heard the Detroit Symphony Orchestra?! Now that's the good stuff!" Her unwavering love for the city was infectious and endearing.
Born in Detroit to Gladys and Donald P Rade, Nancy was the middle of three children, a second-generation Yugoslavian-American, and the first to attend college in her family. During her time as an undergraduate at Wayne State University, she embraced her free-spirited nature by participating in anti-war protests and enjoying life as a carefree "hottie hippie" with her friends. After graduating, she went on to earn her law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. She dedicated over 30 years of her life to a distinguished career as an attorney, leaving an indelible mark in her field with her expertise and dedication.
Beyond her professional life, Nancy was a woman of many passions. She was an avid reader and writer, amassing an extensive home library filled with cherished words and worlds. Her love for animals, particularly Australian Shepherds, was evident in her heartwarming companionship with these furry friends. Jazz and the arts scene were not just interests but lifelong loves for Nancy. She frequently indulged in the cultural treasures of her city, whether it was a weekend at the Grande Ballroom or DIA, where she soaked up the vibrant essence of Detroit. Her house in Woodbridge was the warmest and most loving home, not to mention the most fun. In this house, she established her family and cared for her two children, as well as her nephew Brandon, when her brother Phil fell ill. Even after moving to Grosse Pointe, she brought that Woodbrige spirit of community with her. Her home has always been a treasure trove of moments that added up to the rich tapestry of her life, cherishing every letter, photo, or trinket that touched her heart.
What set Nancy apart was her incredible intellect and her ability to combine it with a sharp wit and a quick tongue. Her friends and family often referred to her as one of the most intelligent people they had ever known. If something was on her mind, it was on her tongue, but it was always layered with love. Nancy was quick to share her heart and her home with anyone who needed it, be it her mother, her nephew, or foreign exchange students. She cherished the community she helped to cultivate, and frequently shot down her son's request to move west with him because she couldn't ever imagine leaving her city and the people here.
But the proudest accomplishment of her life was her children - and boy, does she love those kids! She poured her heart and soul into raising them, instilling in them the values of compassion, intellectual curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the arts and culture.
Nancy is survived by her loving family, who will forever carry her memory in their hearts:
Daughter Adele van Acker (Bob)
Son Cameron Freeman (Megan), and granddaughter Elodie Freeman
She is also survived by her cherished cousins (cuz) Steven Hodak and Danny Hodak, ex-husband Lorenzo Freeman and a rich network of girlfriends.
Nancy's legacy in Detroit and the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her will endure. She will be dearly missed but fondly remembered for her unwavering love for her city, her intellectual brilliance, and her boundless capacity for love.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Forgotten Harvest or Legal Aid of Detroit.
A celebration of Nancy's life will be held on Saturday, November 11th, 2023 at her home between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.