Nancy A. Maki
January 19, 1952 ~ January 30, 2009
Nancy passed away at her Forest Lake home unexpectedly but peacefully on January 30, 2009 at age 57. She was preceded in death by her father, Harold F. Swanson. Nancy will be deeply missed by her husband, Darrel; children, Jason (Morning Star), Noelle (Bruce), Angela (Abel), Michael (Heidi) and Alicia (Dan); grandchildren, Devin, Skylar, Jayden and Brayden; her mother, Audrey Swanson; brothers and sister, Harold Jr.(Colleen), Richard, Pam (Larry) and Tim (Sara); father and mother-in-law, Franklin and Ellen Maki; other relatives and many friends. Visitation 4-8 PM Wednesday, Feb. 4th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr. SW, Forest Lake. Funeral service 11 AM Thursday, Feb. 5th at the funeral home with visitation beginning at 10 AM until time of service. Children are welcome to attend.
Dear Nancy – I only wish we had stayed “best buds” beyond junior high and into senior high, but then I moved away with my family. Staying in touch was difficult as we raised our families, but I never forgot you and your loving ways. I have so many memories of things we did – good and maybe not so! You were the friend we all wanted to be – good, truthful, honest, loving, generous, popular and beautiful inside and out. You possessed all the qualities that a true friend possesses. When I moved to Duluth in 7th grade you
were my first friend and you made my move so much easier. I remember the dances, games, skating rink, boys and the smiles. I wish we could have stayed in touch and shared the stories that are buried in my heart and still put a smile on my face. Time has gone quickly and we always know time on earth is short, but take it for granted – I felt we would always have time to catch up and someday we will. I will always think of you when I hear the song by LeighAnn Rhimes – “Why Don’t You Dance” – Nancy you will continue to dance in each one of our hearts. Say hi to your dad for me! Love, Jan Klenz Averwater
Momma… I think about you a thousand times a day, and every one of those times makes me smile, yet makes me so sad at the same time. Mom, you were the best mom ever, and I know some people say that about their moms, but, you Mom, you were different. You believed in me… you believed in me more than I believed in myself… you let me make my mistakes, (on my own) and you let me do them because you trusted enough in your teachings that I would find my way… Scary trip with all of us, I’m sure… but you know what mom… You did the best thing for me… I found a career that I LOVE… whatever you and dad decided for all of us, who knows… but what you did for me… that was the absolute right thing…. and I want you to know that I wouldn’t change one thing in the way you raised me… you guys did a better job than I could imagine… and I only hope to take what you have taught me, and teach it to Brayden. Mom… I was lucky enough to have you meet Brayden, to love him, and to cherish him… I was so lucky to have you in the delivery room with me to see him born… who knew what, nearly 5 months could do… it was its own circle of life. Anyhow mom…. I miss you more than ever, and there isn’t a day that goes without me thinking about you, and there isnt a decision I make without having my “conversation” with you first…. I love you mom, and I miss you more than I’ve missed anything before… you are in my heart, my soul, and my being… and I thank you for all that you’ve done, not just for me, but for our family. You were the greatest, absolute greatest… you live on in me, in all of us. We love you Mom!