Nancy Taylor Willmarth

Nancy Taylor Willmarth, age 91, of Richland, Michigan passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2023, just shy of her 92nd birthday. Nancy was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Nancy was born in Pasadena, California to Virginia Taylor and Ernest Lawrence Robinson.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband William W. Willmarth; her daughter Cathleen Carol Willmarth; her father Ernest Lawrence Robinson; her mother Virginia Taylor; and her sister, Virginia Gilbert.

She was a devoted wife of William Willmarth and mother to Bob Willmarth, Deb Patterson, Libby Dodson, and Kathleen Willmarth. Her grandchildren include Kaitlin Mack, Sam Patterson, Stu Patterson, and Jimmy Foster. Nancy was also great-grandmother to Chloe Mack, Mia Mack, Jakob Patterson, Zoey Patterson, Sambi Patterson, and Olivia Foster.

She married William Willmarth in Novmber 1959. Bill was an Aerospace Engineer who was a professor at the University of Michigan. While in Pasadena California, Nancy began working for Burroughs Company as a corporate secretary. They moved to Ann Arbor in 1959. It was here that Nancy completed the 60 mile breast cancer walk in 2003 from Dearborn to Ann Arbor, making her the second oldest person to complete this walk at 72 years old. She walked with her close friend, Kate Heywood. She was so proud of this achievement.

Nancy was a musician and piano teacher who taught many Burns Park students in the 60’s and 70’s. She was passionate about the culinary arts, knitting, needlepoint, antiquing, and volunteering at Arbor Hospice in Ann Arbor. Nancy was a spirited U of M fan and was also volunteer for the Richland Park Horse Trials for 17 years. She loved helping Jeanie Tobias at the Richland Park souvenir booth. Nancy loved to entertain and was known to have the most beautiful Christmas parties. She was an avid tennis player and first mate to Bill as they sailed and raced their snipe across the country. During their sailing years they spent summers in upstate New York building lifelong friendships and enjoying the shifty winds.

A visitation for Nancy will be held Monday, February 20, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. A funeral service will occur Monday, February 20, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 403 S 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. A burial will occur at Botsford Cemetery, Earhart Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.muehligannarbor.com for the Willmarth family.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in Nancy's memory to the charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at The Gardens in Bronson Place in Kalamazoo Michigan.

To view the live stream of Nancy's service please click the following link https://youtube.com/live/MVamlGZC0Tg?feature=share