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February 03, 1945 September 27, 2021
February 03, 1945 -- September 27, 2021

Nancy Elizabeth Welshman, Age:76

Nancy Welshman, 76, of Chicago, died Monday, September 27, 2021 at Bethesda Rehab & Senior Care in Chicago. She was born February 3, 1945 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, the daughter of Wayne and Betty (Henss) McNeeley. She grew up in New London, Iowa and attended Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant where she studied music and earned a Bachelor of Music in 1967.

 

During her years at IWC, she sang in the college choir where she met Ian Welshman, whom she married on June 5, 1968. She taught elementary and junior high school music classes at WACO School and in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, before opening her own home piano studio in the 1970s and teaching until her retirement in 2008. In 1981 she and Ian relocated to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where Ian began a successful career in pharmaceuticals with the Upjohn Company (later Pharmacia, then Pfizer).

 

Nancy was active in the Kalamazoo Area Music Teachers Association and also shared her musical training with Milwood United Methodist Church where she directed the Chancel Choir (1983-2004). During her tenure as director, the choir presented several extended works by composers such as Bach, Faurè, Schubert, Haydn, Handel, and Benjamin Britten. Nancy was also an active member of the Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Surviving are her daughters Emily (Daniel) Kirschner and Sarah (Jonathan) Zimmerman and five grandchildren, Madeleine, Eve, Andrew and Chloe Kirschner and Arden Zimmerman, a brother Steven (Mary) McNeeley, a sister Martha (Howard) Meeker and much loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 

A memorial service will be Saturday, August 27th at 2:00pm at Milwood United Methodist Church, 3919 Portage Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49001.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Milwood United Methodist Church (3919 Portage Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49001) to be used for the Special Music Fund

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Condolences

Catherine Ranft Cilli and son Christopher June 29, 2022

Nice and great nephew Chicago , Illinois

So sorry for your loss. Your father was very kind and comforting to my sister Rosemary and brothers Frankie and Daniel during their journeys. They as well as me,were and am forever grateful. May you find comfort in your memories of love. Best,Catherine

KIMBERLY S ALTHEIDE June 29, 2022

Friend of Tony and Jackie Lapeer , Michigan

I am truly sorry for the loss of your Father. I wish i could have met him and heard some of his stories, but i know they will live on with all those who knew and loved him. <3 Much love to all the family and friends who lost this amazing man. Kim

Eric Peplowski June 29, 2022

Worked with Tony for years at AFGI Troy , Michigan

I'm so sorry for your loss Tony (and family). Sounds like your Dad lived a full life and made an impact on all.

Pamela V. Gibson June 29, 2022

Palette& Chisel drawing class Chicago , Illinois

Max's drawing class at the P & C was such a delight. "Measure, measure, measure... and GET THE SWING!!!!" And so we did. Condolences to Tony and the whole family on your loss; hoping that the memories of sharing parts of his life are some comfort to you. He is missed.

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