Jane Nuyen

NUYEN, Mrs. Jane
Kalamazoo, MI Jane Hayes Nuyen, age 91, died Wednesday morning, august 1, 2012, in Kalamazoo. she was born July 20, 1921, in Detroit, Michigan to Berniece Burgess and John R. Hayes. The family, which included her elder brother Charles, as well as her grandparents, Charles and Minnie J. Burgess, moved to Kalamazoo when she was 2 months old and remained here for the rest of her life. Jane graduated from State High School in 1939. After her children were grown, she returned to WMU and graduated in 1972 with a BA and in 1974 completed her Masters in Education. She enjoyed teaching early elementary children, but dearly loved her kindergartners. She retired from Gobles Public Schools in 1981. Jane married Gordon E. Nuyen on May 16, 1941. Along with Gordon she was a charter member of Westwood United Methodist Church. They were blessed with three children, Sally Edward Mahieu, Suzanne John Curtis Henning-Curtis, and Steven Marti Nuyen, five grandchildren Kevin Stacey Mahieu, Jane Mahieu, Christopher Lisa Nuyen, Michael Nuyen, and Todd Nuyen. In addition she was fortunate to have 6 great-grandchildren to love: James Tanda Mahieu, Nicholas Mahieu, Rachel Miller and Kyle, McKenzie and Connor Nuyen. She also had 2 great-great-granddaughters, Talia Engelsma and Taelyn Mahieu. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Virginia Keene and Jackie Nuyen, a brother-in-law Oscar Lewis and several nieces and nephews. Jame was preceded in death by her husband Gordon and her brother Charles. curing their life together, Jane and Gordon loved traveling in Europe and also logged many happy miles in their motor home, visiting friends and family throughout the United States. Jane was a member of the Sons and Daughters of the First Settlers of Newbury, MA, the D.A.R., the M.E.A., the Retired Teachers Association and the National Retired Teachers Association. Her hobbies included china painting, reading, knitting and sewing, making many wonderful articles of clothing for her family. Jane was an avid genealogist and many of their travels were in pursuit of family history which she loved to share with her family. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service in celebration of Jane's life will be held 11:00 Monday morning at Westwood United Methodist Church, 538 Nichols Road, with the Rev. Dr. Wayne A. Price, officiating. Jane's family will receive guests one hour prior to the services at the church. Jane will be buried at Ft. Custer national Cemetery with her husband Gordon. Donations in Jane's honor may be made to the Memorial Fund at Westwood United Methodist Church or to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.