Nancy J. (Lechler) Mendonca passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 16, 2023, at age 75.
Nancy’s kindness, generosity, love and patience touched many people throughout her life and is irreplaceable to all. She had a special ability to be in the moment and engaged with everyone she knew. Always listening, open, caring and special to all who had the blessing of being a part of her life.
Raised in Saugatuck and a Saugatuck High School graduate, Nancy went on to earn a Masters in Special Education from Grand Valley State University, then devoted 20 years to her love of special ed teaching that brought her happiness, fulfillment and special relationships that lasted a lifetime.
In retirement, Nancy and her husband Roger enjoyed many years of traveling across the country spending special time visiting with family, friends and enjoying wonderful adventures near and far.
They spent time in Naples, Fla., before relocating to New Orleans in recent years. Through all their travels, Nancy kept close ties to dear friends and family, never losing sight of all that was important in life and always creating new community where she landed.
While her light is missed every day by all that knew and loved her, we are all grateful to have had her in our lives and have forever memories.
Nancy was preceded in death by her mother Lois A. (Lindholm) Lechler and father Richard F. Lechler, and leaves behind her husband Roger Mendonca, brother Richard Lechler, sister-in-law Renie Lechler, nephews Richard (RJ) Lechler and Ron Lechler, and many otherswholoved her as family and beyond.
Services will be held Friday May 10, at 11 a.m. at the Douglas United Church of Christ and a celebration of life will follow at the Saugatuck Woman’s Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Special Olympics or the Allegan County Humane Society.