Nancy Emerson

Nancy Jo Emerson, age of 86 passed away September 4, 2023 at Meijer Heart with family by her side. This was unexpected and she will be missed dearly.

Nancy was born to Lloyd Maatman and Alyce Zuverink Maatman. Along with her parents, her husband Eugene Emerson, brother Lloyd Maatman Jr, sister Judith Aye, step daughter in law Karen Emerson, step grandsons Oliver Zane Emerson and Mark Emerson preceded her in death.

She loved her family, attending nearly every grandchild's sporting event or special school event, even traveling out of state was needed.

Nancy grew up in a loving Christian Home. At a young age she learned to play the piano, violin, and had a beautiful alto voice. She sang in her high school choir, traveling quartet, Sixth Reformed Church, Third Reformed Church, and Christ Memorial. People liked to sit by her so they could harmonize with her. Nancy's senior year (1954) her Dutch Dance group was invited to dance on the Ed Sullivan Show on television to promote tourism in Holland, Michigan. Her group traveled via train to New York City to perform.

She started her working years at Hansens Drug Store, Fifth Third Bank, and then retired from Hope College. After retirement, Nancy and Gene enjoyed their winters in Bradenton Florida.

Nancy loved to be active with golfing at Holland Country Club and playing bridge, most recently at Evergreen Commons. She particularly liked to play bridge when bidding was involved, she was very competitive.

She was a very talented person, whatever she thought about doing, she learned and made the most of it; calligraphy, photography, picture framing, sewing, knitting, and painting watercolors. Recently she knitted several childrens hats and donated them to DeVos Children's Hospital. The Director called her and said how nice they were, taking the time to individually wrap each one with a special note. Nancy loved to cook, rating different recipes and made changes to make them taste a little better. She was our Martha Stewart.

Nancy is survived by her children; Rick and (Laura) Ter Haar, (John) and Cindy Vogelzang, step children; Michael and (Linda) Emerson, Kirk Emerson, Derek Emerson and (Mary Ann Permesang), grandchildren; Elise Ter Haar and (Drew Dykens), Ryan and (Audrey) Vogelzang, and Christina and (Joshua) Brewster, step grandchildren; Dane and (Chaia) Emerson, Ryan and (Sheyra) Emerson, Lauren Emerson and (Brad Miedema), great grandchildren; John Jackson Vogelzang, Max Ryan Vogelzang, and Roman Brewster, and step grandchildren.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, September 9 from 10-12 am at Christ Memorial Church (entrance D,E, or F). with a Memorial Service and luncheon to follow. Private Burial for Nancy and Gene Emerson will take place at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers family requests that memorial contributions be made in Nancy's memory to Holland Christian Schools or Hope College/Oliver Zane Emerson Nursing Scholarship.