Nancy Lou Beiser

Nancy Lou Beiser (nee Geyer, Sanders) went to meet her Lord and Savior on July 6, 2022, at the age of 86. She was proud that she died with all her teeth! Jesus knew she was approaching heaven because He could smell her “White Diamonds” perfume! Nancy met serious health challenges over the past year but faced this chapter in her life with dignity, grace, and perseverance. Left to cherish her loving memory are her devoted daughter Stephanie (Lori Mann) Sanders of Lansing, Michigan; stepdaughter Taune’ DeBolt of Brooklyn, Michigan; stepson Terry Beiser of Parma, Michigan; sister Lucile Siegel of Jackson, Michigan; numerous nieces, nephews (Rod—looks like you’ll have to buy your own “Soap on a Rope” now!), cousins, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends; and her grand-pup Lissey Leu who she adored and always said to give her “Trick or Treats” from Grandma! Nancy was predeceased by her parents Louis and Vera Geyer; her first husband Reverend Jack Sanders; brothers Lester Geyer, Raymond Geyer, LaVern Geyer; and her second husband Wayne Beiser.

Nancy was born in Lansing, Michigan on March 20, 1936, to Louis and Vera Geyer. She attended Moores River Drive Grammar School, Walter French Junior High School, and graduated from Eastern High School in Lansing, Michigan in 1954. She met her first husband Jack on a blind date. They were married on June 2, 1956, and after Jack’s cancer diagnosis, they eventually moved to Florida for the betterment of his health. After Jack’s passing, Nancy returned to Michigan to be closer to family, and years later, met her second husband, Wayne, through a personal dating ad and married him on September 27, 1996.

After the passing of her first husband, Nancy became a trailblazing woman at that time (in the 1960s), by becoming a widowed, single mom having to take care of a toddler at the age of 28. Nancy was the ultimate care giver, first to Jack after his cancer diagnosis and battle; then to her parents after she moved back to Michigan from Florida; and then to her second husband, Wayne, when he was facing declining health. She was an independent, loving, caring woman who always put others needs before her own. In fact, when Nancy was pregnant and ready to deliver Stephanie, she told her husband Jack to go ahead and preach to the congregation for the Sunday morning service, confident that he would return in time for the arrival of Stephanie. Nancy was a wonderful mom—guiding Stephanie the best she could into adulthood. Nancy told Stephanie every day: “Love you bunches, I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Stephanie would always respond with, “That’s why you had me.”

Nancy’s first job out of high school was at Heatherwood Dairy in Lansing, Michigan. After her first husband’s passing, Nancy took a job at Foster’s Drug Store at the luncheonette to get her young daughter used to her being gone during the day. Nancy then worked for the Liquor Commission of Michigan to prepare herself for her job with the Labor Department. Her final job was with the Department of Social Services where she worked for 37 years up until her retirement.

Nancy’s faith was important to her as she was an active member of Mount Hope Church of Lansing as a volunteer office assistant for the Pastor at that time, Dave Williams.

While Nancy’s health may have been challenging in recent months, she preferred to focus on the simpler things in life such as being in the outdoors, birdwatching (she loves Cardinals and Hummingbirds), observing wildlife, watching the boats come into the harbors from Lake Michigan, flower gardening and hot fudge sundaes!

Nancy’s talents and hobbies took her in many directions, including volunteering at the Mason Historical Society Museum, was voted in as President of the American Business Women’s Association—Lansing Chapter, volunteered to be Stephanie’s Girl Scout troop’s “cookie mom” (when the delivery truck dropped off a garage full of cookies, the look on Nancy’s face was priceless!), shopping, antiquing, traveling, being behind the wheel of her car, singing with the Water Wonderland Chorus—Sweet Adelines, listening to a variety of musical genres (especially the song “YMCA” by the Village People), playing card and board games such as Penny Bingo, Go Fish, Euchre, and Kings on the Corners, and she enjoyed watching MSU sports. Additionally, Nancy had gorgeous cursive handwriting which often received numerous compliments. Her often-heard catch phrases included, “Quit dilly dallying,” “Stop messing and gobbin around,” “I’m still walkin and talkin,” and “Oh! —That’s so cool.”

Nancy was a light in all the people who knew and loved her. She had a loving heart and a kind spirit toward humanity and animals. Nancy loved to laugh with her whole being (if you know Nancy, you know that laugh)! But, most of all, she loved being a mom to her precious daughter Stephanie and spending time with her family and friends meant the entire world to her.

Mom, you are free of your earthly pain, and I know you are taking care of all the family that has gone before you. Later, Stephanie.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 29, 2022, beginning promptly at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Hope Church in the Sanctuary located at 202 South Creyts Rd., Lansing, Michigan. A Celebration of Life Luncheon will follow in the Fireside Room within the church. Please enter through SPYN Entrance off Michigan Avenue. After the luncheon, Interment will be at Deepdale Cemetery, 4108 Old Lansing Rd., Lansing, Michigan 48917. (If you desire, please wear something pink in honor of Nancy.)

For those planning an expression of sympathy, Nancy would like you to consider donating in her memory to MacKenzie Animal Sanctuary, 8935 Thompson Rd., Lake Odessa, Michigan 48849 or contribute on their website at https://mackenzies.info/donate/donate-online/

(Please note: For acknowledgement purposes, please indicate “In Memory of Nancy Beiser.”)

The family is grateful to the staff at Senior Moments in Jackson, Michigan for taking exceptional care of Nancy as well as the team at Henry Ford Hospice House in Jackson, Michigan who gently guided Stephanie and Nancy on Nancy’s final journey. Online condolences may be made at Gorsline Runciman at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/lansing-mi/gorsline-runciman-funeral-homes/7225