Nancy Nicodemus
Nancy Nicodemus (88) passed away peacefully on December 2nd, 2023, surrounded by her family after extended care at home and a brief stay at Resthaven Care Center in Holland, Michigan.
Born Nancy Ann Schrock in 1934 in LaGrange, Indiana, to Paul and Ruth (Reed) Schrock, she was the middle of three children. Preceding her in death were her younger brother Thomas Paul – 2005 (Joyce) and older sister Margaret Ellen – 2015 (Charles “Gib” – 2012).
After graduating from LaGrange High School in 1952, Nancy pursued her education at Hanover College and Bowling Green State University before achieving her BA at Western Michigan College (now University). She furthered her studies at the University of Wyoming for her master’s and later returned to Western Michigan University to teach. Subsequently, she moved to Minneapolis, where she pursued her PhD at the University of Minnesota.
Joining the faculty of Hope College in 1966 as a professor of English and poetry, Nancy made an indelible mark. She was instrumental in creating the Women’s Studies (now Women & Gender Studies) Program and contributed significantly to various interdisciplinary programs. In the 1990s, Nancy’s poetic talent emerged, leading to publications in prestigious literary journals and anthologies. Recognized for her teaching excellence, she was awarded the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1997.
Nancy’s commitment to global education led her to travel internationally as a faculty leader, guiding Hope College students through France, Austria, the former Yugoslavia, Australia, and New Zealand. Her dedication resulted in the creation of invaluable guides for students and faculty, which were widely adopted and published by educational associations.
Upon retiring from the faculty in 1999, Nancy embarked on a new journey, enrolling as a Hope College student to pursue her passion for art. Her determination culminated in graduating in 2007 with a degree in art history.
Nancy was a fan of Hope College athletics and would travel the Midwest to cheer on the team with her husband Paul. She enjoyed hosting holiday weekends for family, entertaining visitors on the porch, attending live theater and classic cinema, reading, playing board games and hand-crafting costumes.
Survived by her devoted husband, Paul Nicodemus, Nancy leaves behind a legacy cherished by her family: two daughters – Karen (Laura Antoniou) and Kristina Taylor (Ted Haas), five stepchildren – Timothy Shane Nicodemus, Kim Nicodemus (Dave Reinking), Kristy Foster (Tim), Phil Nicodemus (Smith), Stefany Howard (Steve), along with eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Joyce Getsay (Jerry) and numerous beloved nieces and nephews and their families.