Obituary: Nancy McGann Fenton

As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home:

Nancy McGann Fenton 89, a life long resident of Hancock, MI, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, May 16, surrounded by her family. She was born on June 7, 1933 to Marvin and Elsie McGann. Nancy graduated from Houghton High School in 1951. She studied at both Carroll University (Waukesha, WI) and Suomi College (Hancock, MI).

On August 1, 1953, Nancy married Jack Fenton. Jack was serving in the US Coast Guard at the time in Norfolk, VA, where their first two daughters were born. In 1958, they moved back to Hancock to raise their family and run the family business, McGann Building Supply.

Nancy was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church, where she served in many capacities and was involved in a host of ministries. She was also community minded, being involved in many local service organizations: Hancock Public School Board, Portage Health Hospital Auxiliary, Salvation Army Board, and PEO (an organization helping women reach for the stars).

Nancy very much enjoyed music, she played the piano, taught piano, and sang in various church and community choirs. Having grown up in and around a nursery-green house, Nancy loved gardening. Tending to her gardens brought her joy. There were not many flowers that she could not immediately identify. Her greatest joy, however, was spending time at their family camp on Portage Lake, where countless gatherings, parties and events were hosted over the years, leading to a treasure trove of memories for her family and friends.

Nancy and Jack were blessed to have seven children, 17 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren. Her husband Jack preceded her in death on July 8, 2013. She is survived by: Lou Ann (Stan) Vitton of Hancock, MI; Peggy (Mike) Wagner of Traverse City, MI; Penny (Rick) Pardini of Williamsburg, MI; Tom (Paula Rocchi) Fenton of Green Bay, WI; Jim (Julie Kemppainen) Fenton of Hancock, MI; Peter (Karen Stordahl) Fenton of Hancock, MI and nephew/”son” Richard (Donna Wright) Boman of Lowell, MI.

Visitation, hosted by the family, will be at the First United Methodist Church at 401 Quincy Street in Hancock on Tuesday, May 23, from 10:00-11:00, followed by celebration of life service at 11:00, and a luncheon afterward.

Memorial gifts, to honor Nancy, may be directed to the First United Methodist Church of Hancock or the Portage Health Auxiliary.

The entire Fenton family extends its thanks and heartfelt gratitude to the many wonderful caregivers who helped mom’s last months in her home and here on Earth be as comfortable and peaceful as possible. You were a blessing to her and to us.

The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock is serving the family. As you are led, go to oneilldennisfh.com to leave online condolences.