Nancy Vivian (Savola) Nordeen

Nancy Vivian Nordeen, 89, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed away suddenly on March 19, 2024, just two weeks before her 90th birthday.

Born and raised in Trenary, Michigan on her family’s farm, Nancy was the fifth of eleven children born to the late William and Gertrude (Kertuu) Savola. She attended Trenary High School, graduating in 1952, where she wrote a column called “Trenary Topics” for the local paper. Nancy also sang in a trio with her sisters at high school dances and had a love for photography, sewing, and dancing.

Nancy met her former husband, Louis Nordeen, at a local dance, and they married in 1952. Together, they raised eleven children in Gwinn, Michigan. She was known for her dedication as a wife and loving mother, always ensuring her family knew they were loved.

Nancy had a great sense of humor that brought laughter to many moments, and she loved listening to music and dancing. She spent countless hours doing jigsaw puzzles, playing games with her kids and snuggling on the couch, watching movies with her grandkids. Her greatest joy came from spending time visiting with her family and sharing a good cup of coffee.

Nancy was a natural beauty, taking great care of her physical health and appearance, while always prioritizing comfort. She was a skilled seamstress, creating countless beautiful garments and quilts. She instilled a deep respect for the earth in her family through her organic gardening and composting practices. Nancy also had expertise in buying and selling antiques, running a booth at an antique store for many years. 

In the early 1970s, Nancy began following the teachings of Meher Baba and remained dedicated to Baba throughout her life. She settled in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in 1983, near the Meher Spiritual Center and found immense happiness being involved with the community there for the remainder of her life.

Nancy approached life with SISU a Finnish concept embodying determination, resilience, and courage in the face of adversity. Her Finnish heritage was a source of pride, influencing her strong work ethic and steadfast character.

During difficult times, Nancy's unwavering support for her family was invaluable. Her ability to comfort and uplift, even in the toughest times, was remarkable. She played a pivotal role in helping her family navigate challenges, enabling them to face life's hurdles with confidence.

She is survived by three sisters, Eleanor (Jerry) Paterick, Arline Shaw and Irma Lesnesk; brother in law, William (Shari) Nordeen, all of her beloved children, David Nordeen, Peter (Debbie) Nordeen, Art (Monica) Nordeen, Taylor Alexander, Kristine (Alan) Zalewski, Wesley (Starla) Nordeen, Jeanne (Bruce) Felknor, Dianne (Jeremy Spickler) Nordeen, Monica Nordeen, Louie (Darlene Foote) Nordeen and Angela (Adi Rodriguez) Nordeen;  and grandchildren Charles (Olivia) Nordeen, Anna Nordeen, Nikiti (Ryan) Wilson, Jenny (Chad) Eason, Andrew Nordeen, Mani Nease, Jesse (Lindsey Tischer) Nease, Ian Alexander, Rabia Zalewski, Peter (Kim Gilchrist) Zalewski, Ericka (Giovanni) Distefano, Will (Natalie) Hurdman, Miranda (JC Lewis) Nordeen, Nigel (Sarah) Nordeen, Jayna LaViolette, Justine LaViolette, Mackenzie Vezina, Michael Wheeler, Matthew (Rain) Wheeler, Jonah Nordeen, and Aubrey (Neil) Edens; her great-grandchildren Spencer Wilson, Jade Nordeen, Madeline Eason, Ella Eason, Vincenzo Nease, Eila Hurdman, Jack Hurdman, Lyla Lewis, Luca Nordeen, Teagan “Tillie” Wheeler, Alexander “Zander” Wheeler and Sophia Edens and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her dear parents William and Gertrude (Kertuu) Savola; her siblings Walter (Betty) Savola, Lillian (Hank) Trotter, Norma Viau, Lila (Vernon) Pischel, Leroy (Mary) Savola, Arthur Savola, Sally (Patrick) Mullaly; daughter-in-law Miriam “Mimi” Silk, and granddaughter Giovanna Silk-Nordeen.

Nancy’s legacy of love, humility, hard work, resiliency, and grace will live on and she will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Meher Spiritual Center, the Avatar Meher Baba Heartland Center or Meher Archive Collective in her name.

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