Nancy was born the daughter of Floyd and Zoe (Sherman) Dewey on December 8, 1924 in Toledo, Ohio. She graduated from DeVilbiss High School in Toledo, class of 1942. Nancy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and Art from Ohio State University. She married James Carlisle on June 25th, 1949 at the Unitarian Church in Toledo. Prior to Nancy and James move to Rochester, Michigan in 1962, she started the Harper Woods Rondelet Dance Club. During this time, Jim served as Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem of Harper Woods. She and Jim also enjoyed square dancing - sewing elaborate full skirts and western shirts for these outings. She was a member of the Meadow Brook Women’s Club and numerous bridge and quilt groups. Both she and Jim enjoyed their involvement in the early years of the Avon Players, Jim creating and building sets and Nancy sewing costumes.
Nancy was foremost a homemaker, who loved to read and complete beautifully crafted projects. She had the ability to find and accentuate the best qualities in all her family members and friends. Nancy was a talented mathematician, very artistic and creative, and amazingly tech-savvy throughout her lifetime. She loved to knit and outfitted the entire neighborhood with matching hand-knit hats and ski sweaters for their annual Boyne Highlands ski trips in the mid 1960’s. Nancy leaves a legacy of many gorgeous handmade quilts and intricate hand-knit sweaters.
Nancy was predeceased by her husband James Carlisle; parents Floyd and Zoe (Sherman) Dewey; and brother David Dewey. She is survived by her children Susan (Greg) Anderson, Jean (Rob) Russell, Jim (Denise) Carlisle Jr., and Paul (Alina) Carlisle; grandchildren Glen Anderson, Jill Anderson, David Russell, Anne Russell, Victor Carlisle, Julia Carlisle, and Alex Carlisle; great-grandchild Maverick Carlisle; and sister Mary Goodwin.
Nancy will be interred at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. No additional services will be held at this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Nancy’s honor to www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
