Nancy L.  LaPorte, 86, of Manistee passed away peacefully on May 23, 2024, at Maple Ridge Manor. Nancy was born in Manistee, Michigan on January 10, 1938, to Cyril and Agnes Bryck. She was a graduate of Manistee High School Class of 1956 and moved to Traverse City where she worked for Consumers Power Company. It was there that she met her husband, Fred LaPorte. They would eventually move back to Manistee where they raised three daughters and shared 38 years together before his death in 2000.

Nancy was a member of the Divine Mercy Parish and her faith was an integral part of her life. She was also a member of The Manistee Elks Club, St. Ann's Card Circle, The Red Hat Society, and a former member of Sweet Adelines, and Manistee Golf and Country Club.

Nancy is survived by her friend and dear partner of twenty-one years Tom Maternowski of Manistee, daughters Lynn Steve of Bay City, Kelly LaPorte (Chris Helsen) of Traverse City, and Julie and Tom Johnson of Thompsonville. Grandchildren Taylor (Zachary) Malewitz, Rachael Steve, Erika Hejl, Olivia Hejl, Dru Johnson, and great-grandson John Malewitz, Brother Richard (Dee) Bryck of Plainwell, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, son-in-law John Steve, sister Charlotte Jaratz, brother, Louis Bryck, sister-in-law LaVern Bryck, and parents Cyril and Agnes Bryck.

Nancy and Fred shared many wonderful times together raising their family, traveling, golfing, and enjoyed camping trips with friends. Nancy enjoyed golfing, bowling, camping, 5th Avenue Beach, hosting parties, and card-playing.

Her love for her family was her biggest passion. Her grandchildren could always count on birthday and holiday cards with a little cash and the kindest of words. Time with her extended family was precious to her.  Whether family reunions, holiday gatherings, or the Richmond farm, singing songs, playing cards and sharing many childhood stories filled those wonderful times together. You could count on Nancy to break into song and all her siblings to join in at every family gathering.

People were her favorite hobby. Nancy was blessed to maintain many childhood friends who still meet weekly for coffee and gab.  She would make a friend anywhere she went; whether it was sitting at the mall waiting for her girls to get done Christmas shopping or in line at the grocery store. Gatherings on the lanai in Florida and on her screen porch in Manistee with friends and neighbors were the highlight of her day.  She was always the last person out of the church, always chatting, even while Fred and the girls sat in the car, waiting, mostly, patiently.

For the last twenty-one years, Nancy was blessed to share her life with Tom. He became as much of her family as she of his. They spent many winters in Naples Florida where they would meet and make many close friends from across the country.  They loved their traveling, dinner at the Elk's and just being with friends. We are forever grateful to Tom who was of constant support and love to Nancy.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Maple Ridge Manor for their excellent care for Nancy, who they affectionately called "the Wanderer" for her almost daily trips out with Tom. They greatly enhanced the last year and a half of her life and she always had a smile for each of them (even winning the best smile award).

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 6-9 p.m. with the Evening Vigil Service being Prayed at 8:00 p.m. at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m., Friday, May 31, 2024, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Manistee with Reverend Mitchel Roman celebrant. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery, also in Manistee.

Those wishing to remember Nancy with a memorial contribution may do so by donating to the Guardian Angels Restoration Fund.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home as well as the church. The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.