Nellie DeLaat

Nellie DeLaat, age 92, passed away Thursday, December 22, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul DeLaat; grandson, Richard Beaudin; parents James and Margaret Draycott; step-granddaughter, Stephanie Mullins; and step-great-grandson, Stephen Placencia.

She will be lovingly and greatly missed by her children Liz Timmer, Susan Beaudin (Jerry), Jane Placencia (Hector), Grayce Lancaster (Marvin); grandchildren Lisa Proxmire (Christopher), Paul Timmer, Katy Dumas (KC), Patty Royal (Kel), Linda Beaudin, Nellie Galindo (Rudy), Jeff Placencia (Kate), Marc Placencia (Brittany), Tyler Lancaster; step-grandchildren Tyler Dumas, Steve Placencia (Francie), Eric Placencia (Lisa); great-grandchildren Anthony Timmer, Emi Timmer, Charlie Timmer, Emmet Dumas, Arik Dumas, Hadrian Galindo, Aria Galindo, Gus Placencia, Oliver Placencia, and Abby Placencia; and many nieces and nephews.

Nellie grew up in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. At 16, she had to quit school and go to work in the shoelace factory to help support her family. She fulfilled her dream of getting her high school diploma in 1983 when she successfully completed her GED. She met her husband, Paul, when he was stationed at the naval base in Newport, Rhode Island. After they married in 1949, they moved back to Paul’s home state of Michigan. Nellie was a homemaker and mother to their four daughters. After her daughters married, she went to driver’s training school and learned to drive at age 40, which opened a whole new world for her. As the grandchildren began to arrive, Nellie decided that her grandchildren would call her Nonny. Over the years, it was shortened to Non and it became the name everyone used. As the new patriarch of the family after Paul’s passing, Nellie was referred to as THE NON. Nellie also had an interest in history. This led to her becoming a longtime member of the Jenison Historical Association, often helping with the monthly open houses at the Jenison Museum.

Nellie was the original “pay it forward” person. If someone needed help, she was the first one there. She even took care of a neighbor’s new baby for six weeks when the mother had some health issues. Her heart was open to everyone, even if it was only in the checkout line at the grocery store. Nellie was the go-to person when you needed a hug - they were the best. Food was Nellie’s way of welcoming you to her home - family, friend, stranger, it made no difference to her. So, in keeping with this tradition, the family invites you to a Celebration of Nellie’s Life and to share a light lunch and stories about Nellie with them 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Cook Fellowship Room, 4273 Prairie St. SW, Grandville.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Nellie, contributions may be made to the Jenison Historical Association or Meals on Wheels. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.