Obituary of Nancy M. Reaume

Nancy Marlene Brooks was born on February 26, 1936, in Monroe, Michigan. She was one of eleven children born from the union of Thomas Brooks and Ida May (Richardson) Brooks. She spent her childhood in Monroe with her four sisters: Gladys, Dora “Tootsie”, Vera, and Patsy and her six brothers: Oscar, Shelby, Tom, Ralph, Grover, and Bob.

At seventeen, she began working for Independent Dairy while completing her senior year at Monroe High School, graduating in 1954.  It was during this time serving ice cream that she met the love of her life, a soldier: James Michael Reaume, who had just returned home from the Korean War. The couple married on January 15, 1955. Together, they raised three children and traveled extensively, living in various places such as Rockwood, Traverse City, Colorado Springs, Eugene, Brooklyn, Ida, Escanaba, and finally settling back in Monroe in 1988.

Nancy was a devoted full-time mom who loved her family deeply. She had a passion for cooking and baking, and her hobbies included gardening, sewing, embroidery, reading, taking long walks, birdwatching, and journaling by the River Raisin with her husband, Jim. She was active in the Catholic Church, teaching Catechism classes and serving as a Eucharistic minister, supported by her unshakable faith. Nancy retired at the same time as her husband from the Monroe County Intermediate School District, where she worked for five years as a teaching assistant, providing one-on-one intervention with special needs children. She was fond of hummingbirds and roses and was known for her gentle soul, quick wit, and infectious laugh.

Nancy Marlene Brooks Reaume, age 88 passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024, at Elderly Solutions in Monroe.  Her passing was preceded by a baby son: Matthew Joseph on December 25, 1962, and her husband: James on October 28, 2011. 

To cherish her memory, she leaves three children: Dr. James Michael “Mike” Reaume, Jr. of Ewen, Michigan, Mark Andrew (Roberta) Reaume of Monclova, Ohio, and Maria Nancy Reaume of Dundee, Michigan. Her five grandchildren were one of her greatest joys: Sean and Sheena (Mark), Christina, Brandon, and Adam (Maria), as well as her six great grandchildren and one more on the way. She loved her caregivers at Elderly Solutions referring to them as her family. A very heartfelt thank you to all of them, especially Brandi and Amanda along with her hospice nurses. Nancy’s kind heart and pure devotion as a mom, wife, teacher, and friend will leave a legacy of love always.

Friends may gather from 3:00pm until 7:00pm on Wednesday; December 4, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.  A Celebration of Her Life, led by Deacon Mike Stewart, will take place at 10:30am on Thursday; December 5, 2024, also at Merkle’s.  A procession to St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroe will immediately follow. 

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.