Nancy LaBonte

TRAVERSE CITY -Nancy Ann LaBonte, 76, of Traverse City, died Tuesday, Sept.14, 2021.

She was born in Mil­waukee. She was the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Equitz) Fleis. She married Samuel LaBonte in 1962. They had three glorious children, John, Jesse and Tammy.

In the early years she was a stay-at-home mom, raising her children, tending to flowers, canning veggies from Sam's garden and constantly telling the grandkids to not pop the lids and taking care of the many pets and farm animals that they had. She enjoyed va­cationing with Sam to Montana to visit family. The couple could also be seen at the Cedar Polka Fest dancing to­gether. After work the couple would be seen sitting on the front porch waiting for friends and family to swing by.

She worked later in life at the bakery in Meijer right here in Traverse City. She absolutely loved making delicious cakes and so much more in the bak­ery.

Nancy cherished her grand­children and great-­grandchildren more than any­thing in the world. She would never miss one of their birth­days. She would be seen often reading a book or playing some game. Family gatherings and events were at the top of her priority list. She enjoyed making crafts, playing bingo and coloring with the grandkids. Her smile could light up the world. She went to church once or even twice a week.

Nancy is survived by her children, John (Wendy) LaBonte, Jesse (Jeannie) LaBonte and Tammy (Richard) Wood; grandchil­dren, Kayla, KayCee Jo, Mitchell, Cody and Dakota; great-granddaughters, Wraith and Loralia; step great-grand­son, Sawyer; siblings, Barbara Arteaga, Terri (Larry) Lautner, Dorothy (Pete) Grant, Joseph Fleis, Patti (Steve) Fleis, Daniel Fleis, Mary (Dan) Snyder and Rose (Rick) Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam LaBonte, parents and siblings, Thomas Fleis Jr, John Fleis, Steve Fleis and Margie Deadman.

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."

Cremation has taken place. A memorial Mass will be held at St. Rita's & St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Maple City at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 24, 2021. Visitation will start at 10 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to a Catholic church of your choice.

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