Nancy Friend

Nancy Lou (Leister) Friend, Age 74, of Jackson, Michigan entered into eternal rest on December 8, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on December 20, 1950 to Hiram and Betty (DeRae) Leister, in Jackson, Michigan.

Nancy was a 1969 Graduate of Jackson High School and worked as a key punch operator at Citi Bank for several years prior to the birth of her children and her multiple sclerosis diagnosis, which she courageously battled for nearly 50 years.

Nancy was married to Richard L. Friend for 42 years at the time of his passing on January 26, 2020.  She is survived by her children, Scott (Autumn) Friend; Shanna Price; and Joshua (Kami) Friend; sisters, Virginia (Gin) Donna and Debra Leister. She was a grandmother to six grandchildren, Emri; Alli; Mady; Aden; Avah; and Channing; and one great-granddaughter, Areia; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

She is preceded in death by her father, Hiram Leister, mother, Betty (Leister) Seaton; husband, Richard Friend; brother, Thomas Leister; sister-in-law, Sandi Leister; and mother and father-in-law, Richard and Wynne Friend. 

Nancy will be remembered for her love of horses in her younger years and spoke of them often.  She had a great love of animals and was a faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.  She truly cherished her faith in God. 

A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 12:30pm at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 3600 County Farm Road, Jackson, Michigan. 

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