Nancy Griffin Gould, age 77 of East Grand Rapids, entered into eternal life on Tuesday, July 5th, 2016. She was the devoted wife to her husband, Jim, of 54 years and loving and proud mother of Susan (Patrick) Gould, Jim (Eileen) Gould, Jennifer (Dave) Froede, and grandmother to Jack, Robert, Katherine, and Ava. She was the loving sister to Kathie Lidgus and Bob (Barb) Griffin. She was born on the South Side of Chicago on October 7th, 1938. After attending Loretto Academy she received Nurses training at Little Company of Mary Hospital and Loyola University. She moved to Grand Rapids in June of 1962 with her husband Jim and new baby Susan from South Bend, Indiana after Jim’s graduation from Notre Dame Law School. Soon after arrival she began working at St. Mary’s Hospital as an RN, where she gave service for over 54 years. Nancy’s presence was notable and she was both respected and loved by her co-workers. She became active in the Grand Rapids community as a volunteer for the Junior League, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Opera Grand Rapids, the Russian business program and The French Society. Nancy along with Jim, hosted jazz concerts in their home featuring prominent musicians such as Ahmad Jamal, The Four Freshman, Diana Krall, Nat Adderley, Oliver Jones, Kurt Elling and Gene Bertoncini over three decades. Nancy was a master and unflappable hostess, opening her home to so many with her warmth, style, and grace. She was an extraordinary woman who touched lives, beloved by her family and friends, adored and admired by so many. Her beauty and quiet strength made her a beacon to her family and friends. Everyone who had the gift of knowing her will feel her loss deeply. She was steadfast in her faith, and we take comfort in the knowledge that she has gone home to God, who gave us the gift of this wonderful woman. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 am Saturday July 16th at St. Stephen Church, 750 Gladstone Dr. SE, Grand Rapids. Memorials may be made to the Lacks Cancer Center at Mercy Health St. Mary’s Foundation, 200 Jefferson Ave., SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
