Nancy Louise Byers Volpe Obituary
t is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Nancy Louise Byers Volpe at the age of 83. She passed at Maple Lake Assisted Living in Paw Paw, in the arms of her daughter.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday, April 17, 2026 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial donations in Nancy’s name may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Private burial will take place at Crystal Springs Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Those wishing to sign Nancy’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Born on September 9, 1942, in Benton Harbor, MI. Nancy was the daughter of John Richard “Dick” and Donna Louise Byers. She is survived by her daughter Suzanne (John) Hackenberg, Michele (Richard) Volpe-Jarvis, Katherine Volpe-Magnowski, Michael Volpe, Tracy (Nancy) Volpe; grandchildren, Mason Arent and Vance Arent; and her former spouse Woody Wright. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raphael “Ray” Volpe, her sister, Suzanne Byers Palmer, and her parents John and Donna. As a mother and grandmother, she was always close by, providing the foundation of our family and providing love and comfort to her daughter and grandchildren, who she loved dearly.
In her early years, she enjoyed spending time with her father, hunting and boating. Possessed of an adventurous spirit, she and her husband Ray, purchased a cabin in Northern Michigan where they cherished the time spent, and also enjoyed riding motorcycles, polka dancing, and the time spent with family and many friends enjoying the quiet sounds and views of Long Lake.
Nancy was a good singer and a natural decorator, always making her home inviting and providing the backdrop of countless family Thanksgivings and Christmases. Her meticulous skills transferred outside of the house as well, where she would spend hours landscaping, watering the flowers, and maintaining the periphery of her home, oftentimes with help from her grandchildren, who will cherish those memories going forward.
She was an active grandmother, who was always just a stone’s throw away. She was encouraging in the pursuits of her daughter’s boys whether she was providing art supplies, new Batman action figures, or just a maternal ear to listen and console.
While her legacy is carried on through her daughter, Suzanne, her loving family will forever treasure her memory and will deeply miss her.
