Nancy Wotkyns
Nancy Wotkyns of Eaton Rapids, passed away on January 20, 2023, at the age of 80. She was born on October 13, 1942, in Hastings, MI, daughter of David and Catherine (Wensloff) Barry. She was preceded in death by her parents and John Priesman, her friend of 38 years. She is survived by her sisters, Marie and Janis Barry and brother, David Barry.
Nancy enjoyed teaching and taught for a while at the Naval Base in Alaska. The vast majority of her teaching was in Eaton Rapids. Nancy had a big heart, she loved animals and children. She donated to numerous groups that helped animals and children over the years. Many Eaton Rapids families were recipients of her generosity. For 20 years she was the anonymous Christmas Angel, providing Christmas Stockings and a bag of gifts for many Eaton Rapids students and their siblings. She purchased and wrapped gifts for over 100 children yearly at her own expense hoping to make Christmas better for those kids and their families.
Traveling with friends was also something Nancy loved. She made numerous trips to Suriname and other places with the Oceanic Society tagging turtles, collecting data, and helping with other projects. Get Nancy talking about turtles, and she could talk for hours!
Nancy was a tough woman who fought through many illnesses and conditions, surprising doctors by coming back strong. When diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer six years ago she once again showed us how tough she was. Working closely with Dr. Srkalovic and the staff at Herbert Herman Cancer Center, helped her to be able to enjoy many more years. Nancy had a rough time her last few months, as she was in and out of the hospital. In the end, she was ready to join her parents, John, and her beloved dogs.
A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on July 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Barry’s Resort, 2875 S. Charlton Park Road, Hastings, MI. The family would love to have her friends join them and write a note or memory on her board and enjoy some food as they celebrate Nancy. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.