Nancy Lou Maike, 87, passed away on February 3, 2026, in Dowagiac, Michigan.
Nancy was born on September 21, 1938 in Chesaning, Michigan to the late Charles L. Maike and Beatrice M. (Nichols) Maike.
Along with her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her siblings, Katherine Creech, Charles (Lori) Maike, and Dennis Maike.
Left to cherish the memory of Nancy are her siblings, Suzanne (Wayne) Bonner, Janet (Kris) Hawblitzel, Connie (Tom) Hebron, Doug (Lori) Maike, Denise (Rob) Mead, and Sheila (Terry) Cegielski; 54 nieces and nephews; 79 great nieces and nephews, and 18 great-great nieces and nephews.
Nancy was someone who found joy in words. She loved typing—whether she was pouring out her thoughts and feelings or simply sending letters to people she cared about. Writing was one of the ways she connected to the world, and through it, she shared pieces of her heart.
She had a great sense of humor and a laugh that was truly infectious. Once Nancy started laughing, it was impossible not to join her. She especially enjoyed picking on her siblings, a pastime she perfected with love, wit, and impeccable timing. Those moments of teasing were part of how she showed affection, and they will be remembered with smiles.
Above all else, Nancy loved her family. They were the center of her life and the source of her greatest happiness. Her love was deep, steady, and ever-present, and it will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
Nancy will be remembered for her words, her laughter, her playful spirit, and the love she gave so freely. She leaves behind memories that will be cherished always.
Memorial contributions in honor of Nancy may be made out to Oaklawn Manor, 26710 Gage St. Dowagiac, Michigan 49047.
Visitation for Nancy will be on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 10:00am to 12:00pm with a Funeral Service to be held at 12:00pm at Brown Funeral Home, 521 East Main St. Niles, Michigan 49120. Burial will immediately follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 10776 McKinley Hwy, Osceola, Indiana 46561.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.
Photos, condolences, and memories may be shared with Nancy’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com
Services
Visitation
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main Stree,t Niles, MI 49120
Funeral Service
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 12:00PM – 1:00PM
Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120
Burial
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 1:30PM
Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 10776 McKinley Hwy, Osceola, IN 46561
Posted On: Thursday, February 5, 2026 3:56 PM
