Nancy L. Stoner

Born on January 12, 1934, in Frederick, Maryland, Nancy was the daughter of Theo A. and Viola M. Hoover. From an early age, she carried the steady faith, curiosity, and strength that would guide her throughout her life.

She graduated from Redford High School in 1952 and attended Manchester University. Education remained a lifelong pursuit. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1967 and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership in 1974 from Wayne State University. She continued her postgraduate studies at Michigan State University, Eastern Michigan University, and the University of Connecticut.

On May 22, 1954, Nancy married Robert P. Stoner in the newly dedicated sanctuary of Trinity Church of the Brethren in Redford, Michigan, a church founded by her father. They were the first couple to be married in that sanctuary. Together they built a life grounded in faith, service, learning, and deep devotion to family.

Nancy began her teaching career in 1963 in the Nankin Mills School District. She later taught at Whittier Junior High in Livonia Public Schools from 1969 to 1979 and at Frost Junior High from 1979 until her retirement in 1996. Nancy and Robert also broke barriers as the first married couple in the Livonia school district to teach in the same building. Their shared vocation reflected a partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose.

At Frost, she helped develop and teach in the JCAT program, later known as MCAT, an alternative program for gifted and talented students. She served as Language Arts and Social Studies Department Head at both Whittier and Frost Junior High Schools and played a key role in curriculum development across the Livonia Public School District.

Nancy was a gifted educator whose influence reached far beyond the classroom. She had a rare ability to see potential in others before they saw it in themselves. Students remember her high standards, her sharp intellect, and the way she challenged them to think deeply, persevere through obstacles, and believe they were capable of more. She was honored as Michigan’s Teacher of the Year for 1986-1987, a reflection of the impact she had on thousands of young lives.

After retiring from full-time teaching, she continued working part-time in the district’s curriculum department.

Following the devastating losses in her own life, including the death of one son to suicide, another to a substance abuse-related automobile accident, and her husband to a surgical complication in 1994, she chose to serve others facing similar grief. She became a counselor at New Hope Center for Grief Support in Northville, where she walked alongside others in seasons of loss with empathy and steadiness. She also helped develop specialized support programs for those grieving the loss of a spouse, a child, or a loved one to suicide.

Music brought her joy throughout her life. She loved classical music, jazz, and many other styles. For many years, she worked with the Friends of Cantata Academy choral group, traveling throughout Europe and performing locally. Music was both expression and connection for her, a way to celebrate beauty and community.

A lifelong pacifist and devoted member of the Church of the Brethren, Nancy served at the national, district, and local levels in various leadership roles. She was active in the Caring Ministry, taught classes, and sang in the choir. In recent years, she worshiped with the Living Peace Church congregation in Plymouth, Michigan.

Above all, Nancy cherished her role as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She poured her encouragement, wisdom, and steady love into her family, mentoring them as she mentored her students. She taught those she loved to face challenges with courage, think for themselves, and trust their own abilities.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert P. Stoner, and her sons, Daniel and James Stoner.

She is survived by her son, Jerry Stoner of Wolverine Lake, Michigan; her daughter, Jane Gannon and her husband, Matt, of Canton, Michigan; her 10 grandchildren, Roberta, Amber, Laci, Carl, Sean, Jolie, Aubrey, Shawn, Ian, and Nick; and 36 great-grandchildren.

Her legacy lives on in the generations she taught, the family she nurtured, and the countless lives she strengthened by helping others believe in themselves and overcome obstacles.

A memorial gathering will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152, followed by a memorial service starting at 11:00 am.

Nancy's final resting place will be at Glen Eden Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Hope Center for Grief Support.