Nancy A. Dankert

Nancy Anne Dankert, beloved wife, sister, mother, and Nana, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026, at the age of 83, at the Angela Hospice Center in Livonia, Michigan. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, kindness, and selfless devotion to the people she cherished and to the many lives she touched.

Nancy was born on June 26, 1943, the third of eight children born to the late Kylius and Kathleen (McDonald) Jones. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Nancy began building the foundation of a life defined by faith, family, and service.

During her college years, Nancy met her late husband John. They later married and began their life together in John’s hometown of Chicago, where he had accepted a position with Ford Motor Company. When John was drafted into the United States Army, the young couple moved to Colorado Springs. After his discharge, they returned to Chicago, where they joyfully welcomed their first four children—Jennifer, Peter, Jack, and Tom. In 1976, they moved their growing family to Plymouth, Michigan. There, they welcomed two more children, Kathy and Mary, and made a home where they would live for the next 50 years.

Nancy's life was a beautiful example of putting others first. She was a devoted wife and mother who lovingly stayed home to raise her children, giving them the steady comfort of knowing that she would always be there. Her kindness was never loud or seeking recognition. Instead, it was woven quietly into everyday life—in the meals she prepared, the help she offered, the simple ways she was present for others.

Nancy's Catholic faith was at the heart of who she was. A devout Catholic and longtime member of St. Kenneth Catholic Church, she found great purpose in serving others through her church and community. For many years, she served as head of Christian Service, giving generously of her time and energy to help those in need.

Later in life, Nancy completed her college education and earned a bachelor’s degree from Madonna University. She went on to teach high school, a profession that brought great joy and fulfillment. She also had a creative and gentle soul. She loved sewing and quilting, creating beautiful quilts for many members of her family. Those quilts were more than handmade treasures – they were pieces of her heart, and they will remain lasting reminders of her loving heart.

But perhaps Nancy's greatest joy was simply being with her family. She treasured time with her children, grandchildren, and siblings, whether gathered around the table, celebrating a holiday, or sharing a quiet moment together. Her presence brought a sense of warmth, steadiness, and home wherever she was.

Throughout her battle with bone cancer, Nancy's gentle perseverance became one of the many gifts she gave to the people around her. Her spirit will live on in the family she devoted her life to and in the many people who were made better by knowing her. She is survived by her six children: Jennifer (Jeff) Pregenzer, Peter (Nancy) Dankert, John (Maura) Dankert Jr, Thomas (Kristen) Dankert, Kathleen (Jason Abbott) Cahall, and Mary (James) Giffear.

She was an incredibly proud Nana to her 15 grandchildren: Adelina and Marie Pregenzer; Peter, Katherine, Elizabeth, and Thomas Dankert; Anne, John, Margaret, and Michael Dankert; Lucas Dankert; Ethan and Jackson Cahall; and Clara and Louis Giffear.

Nancy is also survived by her siblings and their families, including Frank and Margaret Jones, Kylius and Penny Jones, Maureen and Joe Corry, Marge Jones, Mark Jones, Kathleen and Michael Wilkins, and Sheila and Chris Cole, along with many wonderful nieces and nephews. She is also predeceased by her brother Kevin Jones and sister-in-law Debbie Jones.

A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, Oct 1, 2026, at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 N. Haggerty Road, Plymouth, Michigan 48170, at 11:30 AM. Friends and family are invited to gather at the church beginning at 10:00 AM. Nancy will be laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery.

Contributions in Nancy’s memory are appreciated and may be made out to: St. Dominic Outreach Center, P.O. Box 32655, Detroit, MI 48322 https://stdominicoutreach.org/donate

“May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”