Serving West Michigan Since 1899

Nancy Navarro

August 26, 2016
Port Huron, MI

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Life Story / Obituary


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Nancy Louise Orr Navarro passed away peacefully on August 26, 2016 at Holland Hospital with family by her side. She celebrated her 94th birthday on August 14, 2016 with plans to publish a collection of children’s poetry which she wrote many years ago. She had a flair for writing, and ensured that everyone could enjoy her work, even those who were blind, as she spent countless hours doing braille transcription. She volunteered her time, and later found employment, at the Foundation for Exceptional Children in Grosse Pointe Farms. She would often think about all of the children whose lives she touched there, and felt great satisfaction in bringing smiles to their faces. She also tutored children in her neighborhood, always starting the lesson with cookies and milk. She was an accomplished seamstress, and enjoyed making clothes and stuffed animals for her grandchildren. She was a founding member and longtime chairperson of the Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ’s auxiliary, heading the annual bizarre, the weekly preschool church services, and the seasonal activities for migrant children.

Nancy was born in Buffalo, New York, to Ruby and W.R. Scott Orr. She was a 1941 graduate of Edwin Denby High School in Detroit. After she raised her children, she attended Wayne County Community College, where she received an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts. She was licensed as a Social Work Technician. Nancy maintained a 4.0 scholastic average while in college, as her studies were very important to her.

Nancy and Donald, her husband of 75 years, lived in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan and retired to Naples, Florida. She spent her final years in Port Huron and Holland, Michigan. She is survived by her husband, and two sons, Dr. Donald S. Navarro (Randi) and Thomas W. Navarro (Martha). She was preceded in death by her infant son, Paul. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Brandie (Thomas) Navarro, Angela (Marek) Navarro, Michael (Kate) Navarro, Donald R. (Viviane) Navarro and Nanette (Chad) Navarro, as well as her sister-in-law, Joanne Orr, several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Nancy reserved a special place in her heart for her grandchildren, as they were her pride and joy.

Per her wishes, memorial services will be scheduled at such a time where she can share that honor with her husband. Those who wish to remember her life with a donation, can do so to the DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Road, Holland, MI 49423; Blue Water Area Humane Society, 6266 Lapeer Road, Port Huron, MI 48060; or your local March of Dimes.