Obituary: Nancy Braley, 83, of Ludington

Nancy Braley

Nancy Lee Braley, 83, of Ludington, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, November 28, 2024, surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness. Born on April 20, 1941, she was the cherished daughter of Raymond Charles Hodge and Mary Louise Brunges Hodge .

Nancy graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1959 and embarked on a career in banking. She initially worked at Michigan National Bank of Lansing until 1962, then worked  at Security National Bank in Long Beach, California, from 1963 to 1964. Upon returning to Michigan, she joined Ludington State Bank, where she met her beloved husband, Donald C. Braley. They married on October 3, 1964, and shared a life together until Donald’s passing on January 17, 2018.

Nancy was a loving mother to her children, Jolynn M. Braley, Jeffrey D. (Kelly) Braley, and Carole Ann (Bill) Lenzo. Her grandsons, Andrew, Carter and Ethan Lenzo, and Ryan (Angelica) Braley were the center of her world, in addition to four great-grandchildren. Nancy is also survived by her sisters, Joyce Ann Shuert and Donna Rae (Joe) Opie; her stepbrother, Lee Shipman, Jr.; numerous nieces and nephews.

Known for her exceptional baking, Nancy’s apple and cherry pies were a family favorite. She also found joy in reading and cherished every moment spent with her grandsons. Her warmth, love and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Nancy’s life was a testament to love, family, and community, leaving behind an abundance of cherished memories. She will be dearly missed and remembered fondly by her family and friends.