Nancy Anne Denbrock (Nugent), age 86, of Bad Axe, Michigan, passed away peacefully late on the night of September 29, 2026. She truly was a special person who touched the lives of many throughout her life.

Born on January 12, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, Nancy was the eldest child of Helen (Fulton) and Howard Ralph Nugent. Nancy grew up on Nugent's Farm Dairy, on Nugent Road, south of Bad Axe. During her childhood, she helped with the farm while also tending to the home and caring for her younger siblings. These early responsibilities instilled in Nancy a strong work ethic, a deep sense of responsibility, and a devotion to family which remained defining parts of who she was throughout her life.

Nancy began her 4-H career at just eight years old, showing several grand champion Holsteins and excelling in sewing, a skill she would continue to use throughout her life. When she was fourteen, her parents opened Nugent’s Farm Dairy Store in downtown Bad Axe, which Nancy managed after school. Music was always an important part of Nancy’s life. She began piano lessons at the age of three and continued playing throughout her life. During high school, she also played trumpet and baritone, beginning a lifelong love of music that would become a defining part of who she was.

Nancy attended Wadsworth School and Sacred Heart Catholic School before graduating from Bad Axe High School in 1957. She went on to attend the University of Michigan and Central Michigan University, earning a bachelor's and a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling. Nancy’s professional life reflected her commitment to helping and educating others. She worked as an EMT and substitute teacher, prior to joining the teaching staff at Verona Mills. She later served as an adjunct professor at Great Lakes Community College, before joining the faculty of Baker College.

Through her work in education, she shared her knowledge, experience, and encouragement with countless students. Her passion for music continued well beyond her school years. Nancy sang in her church choir and also with Jubilee Singers and Sweet Adelines. She played baritone and piano with the Huron Community Band, the Bob Olsen Big Band, and served as the pianist for the Bill Denbrock Big Band. Music brought her joy throughout her entire life.

Nancy also believed in giving back to the community she called home. She volunteered with the Bad Axe Historical Society and Friends of the Library, sharing her time and talents with organizations helping to preserve local history and support her community. Above all, Nancy was devoted to her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. Her family was the center of her life, and she took great pride in watching each generation grow. The memories, stories, laughter, and love she shared with them will remain a lasting part of her legacy.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, William Denbrock. She was previously married to Donald McKimmy and the late Richard Mason. She is survived by her children: Scott Mason (Diana Taylor), Lynn (Gary) Stair, Rick Mason (Carrie Mills), Kent (Jessica) McKimmy, and Clark (Ashley) McKimmy. She was a loving grandmother to Kaitlynn, Kylee, Kiera, Rayleigh, Kaylana, Delaney, Cora, and Charlie, as well as a great-grandmother. She is also survived by her siblings: Gary Nugent, Nicki (Steve) Williams, Jan Nugent, Patti (Michael) Grenko, and Clark (Beverly) Nugent. She was preceded in death by her brother Howard Nugent.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to Nancy’s loving caregivers, Janice, Christine, Brookelyn, and Shawna, with a special and heartfelt thank you to Jane, whose unwavering devotion brought comfort, peace, and loving companionship to Nancy’s life. Their compassion, patience, kindness, and loving care will never be forgotten.

Nancy leaves behind a legacy of love, music, education, and service to others. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former students, fellow musicians, and the many people whose lives she touched. Her memory will live on in the lessons she taught, the music she played, and the love she shared throughout her life.

In keeping with her wishes there will be no visitation or memorial services.

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