Nancy Faye Mitchell Kincaid
July 19, 1948 – June 21, 2025
Nancy was born in Flora, Illinois, to Jack and Olive (Schroeder) Mitchell who preceded her in death. She grew up in the small Illinois prairie town of Louisville with brother, Jerry Mitchell (deceased); sister, Jeane (Edwin) Robertson (deceased); and Maryann (Bob) Stortzum. She was industrious in everything that she did: walking fast with her mother to deliver Avon, countless hours playing down the alley with best friend Carol Jean, working at Aunt Faye’s nursing home, waiting tables at the C & E Café, teaching school, running a large retail business and raising a family. Nancy was saved, baptized and became a member of the Louisville Christian Church. Later she became a member of the First United Methodist Church in Holland, Michigan.
Nancy started dating Louie Kincaid when he asked her as she walked home from school, “Would Cinderella like a ride home?” She said yes, and they were married for 58 wonderful years. They moved to the Detroit area for Lou’s first job where Nancy completed her bachelor’s degree in education at Marygrove College. Upon graduation, she accepted a teaching position at Fraser Middle School as a home economics teacher. Nancy often said that God put her on this earth to be a teacher. She taught public school for 16 years, loved teaching and was good at it. Nancy was a teacher in so many ways, not just to her students, but to her daughters and grandkids. She set an example in her daily life that others use to make decisions and good choices.
Upon moving to Holland in 1988, Nancy became involved in many projects: buying and running Tower Clock Accents, board work at Evergreen Commons and being a member of the Junior Welfare League and Century Clubs. Everyone knew that they only had to ask and Nancy would be there to volunteer her time. She was recognized as a most caring, compassionate, giving, selfless and loving person.
Nancy was a lifelong learner and avid reader, saving articles, recipes, obituaries and other inspirational material. She had a large cookbook collection that she enjoyed reading like others enjoy novels. She often said a perfect day was a day spent in the kitchen. Nancy was always trying to improve herself and share that with others. She was especially fond of helping others with some meaningful financial help and never sought recognition; she believed that giving what you could was reward enough. Nancy was always the first to offer what she could in any situation, whether it was a home-cooked meal, childcare for her grandchildren or helping out with her daughters’ businesses. She was very proud of her grandchildren and always attended their track meets, school plays and graduations.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Lou Kincaid; children, Jenna and Mike Sharnas, Colleen Kincaid and John Freshley, Kirsten and Paul Kincaid-Nykamp; grandchildren, Sam Sharnas, Max Sharnas, Alex Kincaid-Beal, Jocelyn Kincaid-Beal, Sam Freshley and Kenny Aspurez, Allie Freshley, Elle Nykamp, Reed Nykamp; great grandchild, Liam Aspurez; sister, Maryann and Bob Stortzum; brother-in-law, Edwin Robertson; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation with the family is 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St. Holland, MI 49423.
An additional visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, at McGriff Funeral Home, 825 Chestnut St., Louisville, IL 62858.
Funeral services are at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 28, 2025, also at McGriff Funeral Home.
Committal service to take place at Louisville Twp. Orchard Hill Cemetery, County Road 1000 E (US 45) Louisville, IL 62858.
The family will be having a luncheon at 1:00 pm following the Committal service taking place at Full Armor Christian Academy, 600 Erwin St. Louisville, IL 62858. Or join to have only dessert, coffee and conversation at 2:00 pm.
Nancy passed away from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease. Hospice was very important as the journey came to an end. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Nancy’s honor to:
Evergreen Commons at www.evergreencommons.org or mail to 480 State St. Holland, MI 49423.
Gateway Mission hopefoundhere.org or mail to 661 E. 24th St. Holland, MI 49423.
Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org/gmc or mail to 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601.
Hospice of Holland at www.hollandhospice.org or by mail to 270 Hoover Blvd., Holland, MI 49423.
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