Nancy Joyce Drahos, age 85, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, died peacefully the evening of Wednesday Dec. 29, 2021 after a long journey with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born in Three Rivers on April 30, 1936 the daughter of Reuel and Elsie (Wadenstorfer) Kaiser. She attended a one room school in Parkville and went to High School in Mendon, graduating in 1953 as the Valedictorian of her class. After school she worked at Reed Music in Kalamazoo, where she met her future husband, Robert Drahos. They were married in August of 1955.
Years ago, Nancy wrote a poem titled “Mom.” While this was written as a tribute to her mother, in many ways is a testament to who Nancy was to her family:
Our Mom’s a “Super Mom”
She’s been at it for 65 years
The backbone of our family
Through joyful times and tears
A bulwark of strength
She rarely did grumble
So – taught by example
To be strong, yet, humble
Walking with Jesus
Closer each day
Concerned more with others
Than herself all the way
Now if we follow
Her guide and her lesson
We can be part of that special blessin’
And find that success
Is not just a goal
But the daily path
On which we stroll
So we can live
And enjoy each day
Mostly because
Mom shows the way.
A celebration of Nancy’s life is being planned for the Spring of 2022 by her children and their spouses, Michael (Patricia) Drahos of Sherburne, NY, Joel (Karen) Drahos of Webster, WI, Chris (Craig) Arms of South Haven, and Karen (Rickey) Ray of Vicksburg.
It is suggested that memorial contributions be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com