Ruth Nace

Sue Nace passed away quietly at home on September 7, 2013 of complications from a recent fall. She had her beloved dog, Tanuki, by her side, and was attended by family members. Sue was born on December 23, 1920, in Portland, Oregon, to Frank W. and Gertrude Blum. She graduated from Reed College in 1943 then took off to work in San Francisco, CA where she worked as a manager at the Emporium. In San Francisco she renewed a friendship with Margaret Nace, eventually marrying Margaret's brother, George W. Nace, in August 1946.

Following their marriage they began to build their family while George attended graduate school in Los Angeles, then San Francisco, and on to post-doctorate study in Brussels, Belgium and Washington DC; and then to his early academic years at Duke University in Durham, NC, finally moving to University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI, in 1956.

Sue filled her life with her children, volunteer work at the public schools helping with remedial reading, especially with dyslexic students, and with her "little sisters," the women from many countries affiliated with International Neighbors.

As her family grew up and moved out on their own Sue decided to return to the workforce. Sue retired in 1987, following a career of substitute teaching through the Ann Arbor schools and as a proofreader for Braun & Brumfield, a book manufacturer in Ann Arbor, MI.

Sue was known by many names: Ruthy, Kitty, Mrs. Nace, and for her four children, Mom. As a lifeguard in her youth she developed a lifelong avocation for physical exercise. She was a stickler for the proper use of words and grammar, an advocate for gracious living and sharing of ideas across cultures, and, as she described herself to the end, "fat and sassy." Sue also had a love of cooking, especially baking, and she made sure that the pantry was always stocked with home-made bread, rolls, pastries, and pies, as well as home-made preserves, jams, and pickles.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband, George, in 1987. She leaves behind four children, George R Nace (Linda), Becky Bahlibi, Trisha Pineo (Doug), and Bill Nace, as well as grandchildren Helen (Rob) Aldridge, Chris Pineo, Sarah Bahlibi, and Tony Bahlibi.

Cremation has taken place. A small family memorial will be held at a later date in Greenville, PA, to celebrate her life. Contributions in her memory can be made to International Neighbors, c/o Diane Price, 3769 Bridle Pass, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Sue was a long-time member of International Neighbors, a volunteer organization that extends friendship, understanding, and assistance to women from other countries during their stay in Ann Arbor.