Word was received this morning, Monday, Sept. 30, of the death of the Rev. Nancy Zerban, a highly influential minister at the United Church of Wayland. She was 77 when she died of Parkinson’s Disease.

“Pastor Nancy” came to the local church from Kentwood  in 1993 while it was going through severe growing pains in dealing with issues such as racism, gay marriage and LGBTQ rights. She remained at the church for 17 years, from 1993 to 2010.

A spokesperson from the Chapel in the Woods remarked, “She led the congregation through significant discernment processes related to racism and to the decision to become open and affirming of all peoples. As well, she established a relationship with Re-Member, a nonprofit organization working with the Oglala Lakota Nation on Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota.”

The Rev. Zerban served the Christian Church in Michigan as moderator and as regional elder. Throughout her years of parish ministry, she also served as a dean, consultant, or counselor of summer programs at Crystal Conference Center. For many years she was state youth advisor for Disciples and the United Church of Christ.

Nancy was born in Wyandotte Aug. 24, 1947. She graduated from Walled Lake Central High School in 1965 and enrolled at Eastern Michigan University to study elementary education, graduating with her degree in 1969. She married Andy on Feb. 11, 1966, and had two children, Angela (1969) and Jason (1970) while living on Commerce Lake in Oakland County.

After moving to Olivet in 1976, Nancy and her family settled in Traverse City in August of 1978 when she became an active youth leader at the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City. This work inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in religious education from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, earning her degree in 1987. After graduation, she was called to be director of Christian education at First Christian Church of Traverse City. Her ordination into ministry through the Disciples of Christ followed in 1989.

She was then called to serve as associate pastor at the First Congregational Church in Traverse City.

Some of her most cherished times were spent on the lake with her family and friends. Her Commerce Lake summers were filled with visits from her many cousins with the only rule being that they helped watch the kids. Water skiing, swimming, kayaking, and sailing were some of her favorite activities. Traverse City summers were spent on Long Lake at a series of cottages sailing and cruising the pontoon.

Winter had its own cherished activities for Nancy. She loved alpine and cross-country skiing, and baking. During the holiday season she made an endless variety of delicious treats. A quick survey of the family counts 15 kinds of cookies, all double batches. Just an example of one of many family activities she nurtured throughout her life.

These traditions that she taught continue through her children and grandchildren.

Among her survivors are husband Andy of Traverse City, daughter Angela Zerban and her husband, Matthew Wiliford of Traverse City, and Jason and Heather Zerban of Portage a sister, Linda Clements, and two grandchildren, Isabella and Grant Wiliford.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Dorothy Pauline (McGee) and Wayne Thomas Shull.

Cremation has taken place. At Nancy’s request, there are no services planned at this time. To honor her love of the outdoors and water, a family celebration will be held sometime next summer on Long Lake in Northern Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, Pastor Nancy asks donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation.