Nancy Lee Cereska
March 30, 1940 - June 28, 2020

On June 28, 2020, the world celebrated as Nancy Lee (Shannon) Cereska took her first full breath as she entered heaven. Surrounded by her children and the love of her life, she passed peacefully and with grace.

Her children brought her tremendous joy and friendship. Her pride and love for each individually kept her heart full. She loved sharing every milestone, setback, and accomplishment and believed her children's dreams were achievable. Her adoring children are: Leanne Southland (Marc) - U.S. Marine Corps Employee /Labor Relations Specialist; Frank D. Cereska (Cristie) - Owner and proprietor of Frank's Plumbing; Rachel Cereska - Owner of P.W. Services, Inc.; Rebecca Williams - Elementary School Educator; Teresa Cereska (Derek Jensen) - Early Childhood Director; Sarah Pupel - Freelance designer and owner of Waste Not Makers, LLC; and Nathan Cereska - U.S. Veteran and custom machine builder.

Grammy's favorite entourage was her grandkids: Alexandra (27) - GM Engineer; Sydney (23) - Arizona Police Officer; William (23) - Management and Program Analyst; Joseph (22) - Professional Gamer; Madison (21) - Social Justice Activist; Caleb (20) - Future Robots Engineer; Hannah (18) - Future Novelist; Eden (18) - Future Aesthetician To The Stars; Sullivan (15) - Gamer Destined To Go Viral; CJ (14) - Future Ivy-Leaguer and Olympian Volleyball Player; Jacob (13) - Future Game Coder; Darwin (11) - The Next Steve Jobs; Rourke (11) - Future Investment Banker; Emelia (8) - Future Ninja Warrior or POTUS; and Abraham (4) - Future Engineer or Medic.

Her greatest story is the 58-year love story she shares with her soulmate and husband Frank Alan Cereska. Meeting at age 15, the connection was true and strong. Even going to different high schools couldn't keep the stars from aligning. Date nights at the Ovals, walks along the beach, and dancing------we're talking Juliard-bound, Star Search, Dancing With The Stars level dancing. Every day she chose to love. During their university years they lived on a shoestring budget---four pieces of furniture and a VW Bug, sometimes literally living on love, knowing that everyday together was a gift. They faced challenges with strength and a desire to not lose focus of each other. Together they grew this love and life with their seven children, often times commending themselves for moving over 25 times and never losing a child except . . . Sarah at Mount Rushmore, Rebecca at a rest stop and a Pizza Hut, and each child individually at some point in Sam's Club. But who's counting?

Tradition was very important to Nancy. Her faith was unwavering, and she lived it loud. She never skipped a day checking in with her bestie, Christ. Sunday dinners were weekly, bustling and filled with an abundance of food and laughter. Flea markets, garage sales, farmer's markets and antique shopping were always lessons in finding the value and treasure in everything. And with every excursion, a "prizie" or two was always found.

Craft days with her grandchildren and special Grammy Days have given her grandchildren priceless and genuine memories. Birthdays and holidays were a time to celebrate life and family----her favorite birthday Christmas. But who are we kidding? Everyday was a celebration!

She was an artist, and her creativity ran deep. Although it has never been in a gallery, she has gifted so many people her art that it is known worldwide.

She had a green thumb. The ease in which she nurtured her garden was the same ease in which she nurtured souls. Everything she touched grew. Her ability to see the beauty in everything and everyone could not be measured.

With the love of her life, best friend, and partner at her side, she and Frank put seven children through private school, supporting every sport, instrument, dance recital, and theater performance. They sponsored schools, orphanages, shelters, and fine arts programs, not only financially but through offering their time, talent, and love.

Together she and Frank shared a passion in restoring and building remarkable pieces of furniture. With her husband in his woodshop working on these exceptional pieces, Nancy was alongside him in her art studio adding delicate touches of beauty.

She dedicated her time all year working to help those in need and modeling true unconditional love. Her ladies' guild were some of her dearest friends and working beside them with the common desire to serve the Lord gave her a true sense of devotion and belonging.

Everyday Nancy and Frank embraced their faith and instilled in many how precious and wonderful it is to walk alongside Jesus. With seven children under the age of 14, they led Bible studies that grew from eight people in their living room to a full gymnasium. It was their visible commitment to each other and their faith that provided the foundation that supported them through difficult times and provided peace through all of life's moments.

Effortlessly and with unwavering strength, Nancy never stopped doing what she loved or showing her love to everyone. The lessons she instilled will ripple through this world and will remain deep within many lives.


Love unconditionally.
Give what you can.
Find a need. Fix a need.
Judge no one.
Lift up and don't let go.
Pay it forward.


Due to her celebrity, there was no venue large enough to hold all those who love her. The service was held July 2, 2020 and attended by immediate family only. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following: Muskegon Catholic High School Scholarship Fund or Norton Shores Jacob O. Funkhouser Library

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