Nancy Lee Pfauth

Nancy Lee Pfauth, of Waterford, Michigan, passed away on February 22, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on June 10, 1948, in Hancock, Michigan, to parents Russell and Edith Hellman (nee Kaarlela), Nancy’s life was one filled with love, service, and faith.

A 1966 graduate of Dollar Bay High School, Nancy pursued her education with determination. She began her college journey at Michigan Tech University and later transferred to Michigan State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design. It was during her sophomore year at MSU that she met Thomas Pfauth in the Holden Hall lunchroom. Their first date, a movie screening of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, marked the beginning of a lifelong love story. They married on July 11, 1970, at a Lutheran church in the Upper Peninsula. Together, Nancy and Thomas raised a beautiful family in Waterford, Michigan, where Nancy devoted her career to state government. She began her professional journey working for Oakland County's Department of Social Services for six years in family service in-take and out in the field before taking time off to care for her children. Later, after her children had all grown up, she worked in Customer Service at the Summit Place Mall. Outside of her career, Nancy was a woman of deep faith and creative spirit. She found great joy in crafting and beading, particularly during the cherished Saturday gatherings with her church friends at Christ Lutheran Church. These moments were not just about crafting but about sharing stories, laughter, and memories that made lasting friendships.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband of nearly 55 years, Thomas Pfauth; her children, Joel (June) Pfauth, Justin (Anu) Pfauth; Grandchildren, William Pfauth, Elizabeth Pfauth, Tori Pfauth, Nolan Pfauth and Anissa Pfauth; her sister, Kathy (Bill) Kilponen; and her brother, Gene (Ginger) Hellman. She is also remembered fondly by her close friends, Anamika (Kamal) Ved, Nancy Mathura, Laura Sheffer, and Annette Techow. She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Edith Hellman. 

A memorial service to honor Nancy’s life and legacy will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Christ Lutheran Church in Waterford, Michigan. Nancy will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

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