Obituary of Nancy Craft

Nancy Ann (Brown) Craft, loving wife and mother, passed away at the age of 56 on Friday, September 2, 2022. She passed away with family at her side at Spectrum Health - Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph, Michigan.

Nancy was born in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, on July 25, 1966.  She grew up

In Buchanan, Michigan.  Nancy was one of five children born to Robert and Loraine (McBain) Brown.  She graduated from Buchanan High School in Buchanan, Michigan in 1984.  She went on to Southwestern Michigan College and Western Michigan University where she earned a teaching degree.

Nancy met her future husband, James at the New Apostolic Church in Buchanan, Michigan.  They were married on December 20, 1997, at the New Apostolic Church in Niles, Michigan. James said it was cold that day, but there was no snow anywhere on the ground which is unusual for December and the last day of fall. They were blessed with 24 years in a wonderful partnership of marriage.

James and Nancy moved to Niles, Michigan, which was close to Buchanan Community Schools.   Nancy taught at both the elementary and middle schools in Buchanan for almost 25 years, retiring in 2017 due to health concerns. She did not want to be idle though and decided to go to work at the local Super Target in Mishawaka, Indiana.

Nancy was a member of the  New Apostolic Church where she taught Sunday School and led the Youth Group along with James. She loved to read, sew, make clothes, and do volunteer work.  She was a Girl Scout Troop Leader. She loved to travel the world with her family to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Nancy was preceded in death by her father, step-father Harry Hennigan; brother Robert Stephen Brown, Jr. 

She is survived by her husband, James, and two children Abigail Craft, and Elijah Craft.  She is also survived by her mother, Loraine (McBain) Hennigan of Holiday, Florida; brothers Michael (Christy) Brown of Winter Garden, Florida, and Brian (Doreen) Brown of Niles, Michigan; a sister, Anna (Brown) Hagen of Holiday, Florida.

Nancy touched many people during her time on earth, her family (especially her nieces and nephews), and the many people she worked with at Buchanan schools, and Target over the years, along with all those she knew in the community. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

In keeping with her wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to either the American Diabetes Association or American Heart Association.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.