Nancy Ann Neper

Growing up, Nancy attended St. Adalbert Elementary and graduated from Catholic Central High School, instilling in her a deep faith that she would hold dear for her entire life.

She attended Mercy Central School of Nursing in 1961 and earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. She spent her career working as a surgical nurse at Ferguson Hospital until it closed and then continued on in the following surgical centers: The Plastic Surgery Center, East Paris Surgical Center, and Verdier Eye Center.

Nancy and James Neper began dating in 1961 and were married on September 29, 1962 at St. Adalbert church. Their family would grow to include four children that they lovingly raised in the Catholic faith. Nancy was proud that all of them graduated from college and were still practicing Catholics.

Nancy enjoyed gardening, shopping, walking and traveling. She was an active member of the church, serving as a eucharistic minister and on the funeral committee. She radiated a gentle kindness and had many deep-rooted friendships that spanned over the years. Nancy was a lifelong learner, showing a passion to learn and try new things. She liked the peace of reading a book, and was creative-always crocheting or knitting. She had a love for dogs, and over the years had many pets.

Most importantly, Nancy’s greatest passion was her family. Many memories were made at their family cottage over the years. Nancy’s love language was gift giving, and she will be remembered for her over the top Christmas celebrations. She was one of the loudest cheerleaders for her grandchildren, attending as many of their activities and sporting events as possible. She also regularly watched the Weather Channel so she could report back on road conditions to keep everyone safe.

Nancy will be remembered for her care of others, her love of family, the close friendships that she cultivated throughout the years, and her devout Catholic faith.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 63 years, Jim, her children: Greg (Heather) Neper, Micky (Shane) Anderson, Pam (Doug) Steele and Sandy (Javier) Sanchez; her 13 grandchildren: Samantha (Brett) Egnatuk, Zoe (Kyle) Thompson, Nathan (Abby Heyde) Anderson, Alina Anderson, Seth Anderson, Sydney (Claire Cantelon) Steele, Alex Steele, Ally (Jerry) Neper-Devos, Katie (Andrew) Contreras, Nick Neper, Benicio Sanchez, Vivienne Sanchez and Gabriel Sanchez; her great-grandchild Tate Egnatuk and she was anxiously awaiting the arrival of two more great-grandchildren. Nancy is also survived by many other relatives and good friends.

Visitation for Nancy will be held on Friday February 6, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel where the Mercy Central School Nursing Honor Guard will celebrate Nancy’s nursing career followed by a rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday February 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.

Memorial donations may be made in honor of Nancy to the Mercy Central Nursing School Honor Guard. Checks made to Mercy Central Nursing School Alumni, c/o Reyers North Valley Chapel.