Nancy Summerfelt Obituary
Nancy Summerfelt, 75, of Saint Joseph, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at West Woods of Bridgman. She was born July 13, 1951 in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Robert Jr. and Nancy (Null) Hocker.
Nancy was an outstanding student throughout her years at Saint Johns. She was valedictorian of her class. Notable school activities included being a cheerleader for Irish athletic teams and being homecoming queen her senior year.
Nancy received degrees from Lake Michigan College and Western Michigan University. After college she married, taught at Lakeshore Elementary and had two children. During the early years of her children’s lives Nancy was diagnosed with schizophrenia, forever changing her and her family’s lives. Though her mental illness took away a lot of her dreams, Nancy remained devoted to her faith in God. She belonged to SS. John & Bernard Catholic Parish and found joy and comfort from going to church, reading scripture and prayer.
Nancy was able to live an independent life with the support of family and friends. Nancy liked to read, do crafting projects, and play cards and board games. Nancy and her family are very grateful for her “special friends”, Terry Wallis, Anita Oelke, and Peter and Raejene Schaffer, who consistently provided her with companionship and support. Nancy’s family also wishes to offer thanks to PACE, The Willows and West Woods of Bridgman care teams for their compassionate care and comfort provided to Nancy.
Nancy is survived by her children, Lisa Summerfelt and Andrew Summerfelt: her grandchildren, Chase and Parker; and her siblings, Cynthia (David) Lange and Bill (Sandra) Hocker and nieces/nephews.
She is preceded in death by her siblings, Robert Hocker, III, Christopher Hocker, and Mary Elizabeth Hocker; and her parents.
The family has chosen to celebrate Nancy’s life privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers family and friends can offer memorial donations in her name to PACE of Southwest Michigan, 2900 Lakeview Ave., Saint Joseph, MI 49085.
