Nancy Ann Forcier

Nancy Ann Forcier, 89, of Gaylord, passed away on April 10, 2026, with her beloved family at her side.

Born on June 20, 1936, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Nancy was the daughter of Leo and Mette (Mattie) Donnelly. On December 22, 1956, she married Glenn "Skip" Forcier. Together they began their marriage as students at Michigan State University. Later, they moved to the Detroit area where they would begin raising a family of four children.

As a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, Nancy's journey through life was marked by love, faith, and resilience. After losing her father, Leo, at a very young age, Nancy found solace in Christianity and independently raised herself in the Catholic faith. Her unwavering dedication to her faith remained strong as a child and throughout her life.

As a young girl in Sault Ste. Marie, Nancy became a talented figure skating enthusiast. She found joy on the ice with her skills and shared her love for the sport with those around her. Once enrolled at Michigan State University, Nancy pursued a career in education and became a member of MSU's first female cheerleading squad which earned her a trip to the Rose Bowl in 1956. Upon graduating, she taught Physical Education in Detroit while balancing family life and motherhood.

In 1974, Nancy and Skip moved their family to Gaylord where they would eventually begin family businesses in both the marina, and oil and gas industries. Nancy continued her career in education in Gaylord and taught Physical Education at St. Mary's Catholic School. She would become the first coach to lead the women's volleyball team program.

Nancy's life was richly woven with her passions and interests. Her self-taught love of music was most noteworthy and always evident in her collection of guitars, ukuleles, dulcimers, keyboards, and pianos. She found joy in performing for audiences (whether for her great grandchildren or community adults) and was active with local ukulele groups. Nancy was a passionate skier and would pass this devotion and talent on to her children. She also became an avid boater with Skip and, together, they spent summers living on their boat "Sunburst" on Lake Charlevoix in Boyne City.

Although Nancy spent time residing in both Florida in winter months and on "Sunburst" in the summer, she felt most at home on King Pond in Gaylord. She would fortunately live out her life there, with dear family and friends always close by.

Nancy is survived by her four children, Jill Rowley, Peter (Lori) Forcier, Daniel (Eve) Forcier, and Susan Forcier; nine grandchildren, Emily (Frank) Lauer, Margaux (Chad) Rowley, Chelsea Forcier, Mette (Justin) Shannon, Katherine (Kevin) LaVanway, Carlie (Michael) Forcier, Steven Forcier, Kristen (Kyle) Goletz, and Lexie Forcier; sixteen great-grandchildren, Joseph, Cameron, Jack, Glenn, Claire, Monreaux, Magnus, Leo, Brynlee, Maverick, Cade, Quinn, Zoe, Ayden, Logan, and Lilly; her brother, Peter Donnelly; her nieces, Kathleen Pawlanta and Kelly Jo Donnelly, and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Skip, who passed away in March of 2024.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at St. Mary Cathedral, where the family will visit with friends beginning at 10:00 AM.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family through her guestbook at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com