Mrs. Nancy Pohly

POHLY, Mrs. Nancy - Age 94, passed away Friday, February 3, 2023 at her residence. POHLY, Mrs. Nancy Lee (Hockey) - Age 94, passed away quietly at her home on Friday, February 3, 2023. Born on December 10, 1928, Nancy Lee was the only child of Joe and Rosina (Taylor) Hockey who immigrated to the United States from England following the First World War. Raised on the East Side of Flint, in a neighborhood lovingly referred to by many as “Little England”, she was cherished by her Godparents, Stafford and Hazel Ferkin, and aunts and uncles residing on both sides of the Atlantic. A life-long learner and teacher, Nancy began her education at Homedale Elementary School and graduated from Flint Central High School in 1947. She continued her schooling at Flint Junior College and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where she earned a bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Education. As an elementary school teacher, “Mrs. Pohly” shared her love of learning and brightly colored sweaters with hundreds of students during her 25 years teaching in the Flint Community Schools. Recognized by many of those students well into her retirement years, she was always pleased to hear of their successes and adventures. Nancy met her husband Carl Pohly in high school, grew to love him in college, and married him on July 26, 1952. During their seventy years of marriage, they proudly raised and supported three smart, independent, and successful daughters. They also bravely and diligently served as caregivers, chauffeurs, field trip chaperones, tutors, and sideline/poolside cheerleaders to their four strong willed and compassionate granddaughters. A talented flute, piccolo, and keyboard player, Nancy was a long-time member of the Flint Concert Band. She loved swimming, gardening, reading, and feeding dinner leftovers to her dogs and granddogs when she thought no one was watching. Nancy and Carl enjoyed a lengthy and exciting retirement together. In the summers, they could be found playing golf at the Flint Golf Club, serving as an unofficial summer day camp site for their granddaughters and their friends, or enjoying a potluck and sailboat race at the Lake Fenton Sailing Club. Together they passed many winters exploring cities across the globe, oftentimes alongside Nancy’s British cousins. By the end of their traveling days, Nancy and Carl had stories, art, and albums full of photos to share from their adventures on five of the seven continents. Nancy was a thoughtful, kind, compassionate, and always supportive wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was a quiet philanthropist who supported many local, national, and international organizations that she believed made the world a kinder, safer, and healthier place to live. Forever an advocate for the underdog, she could be relied upon to start cheering for any Michigan Football rival that found themselves more than a couple of touchdowns behind by the third quarter. Fiercely independent and true to herself till the very end, Nancy will be deeply missed by many. She leaves behind her three daughters, Linda Pohly and Susan Franzen, of Flint, Michigan and Sharon Pohly of Fort Wayne, Indiana as well as three granddaughters, Erin Franzen of Grand Blanc Michigan, Logan (Terrence) Franzen of Ferndale, Michigan, and Victoria Lee Pohly of Fort Wayne, Indiana. In addition, she is dearly missed by Allison Glasson, her 'bonus' granddaughter (who, she was very proud to say, she taught to ride a bike). She also leaves behind her British cousins Delia (Howard) Williams, Diane Gibb, Pat (Michael) Fair, and Doreen (Tony) Young and dear friend Mary Kay Pierce. As well as many members of Carl’s family including sister-in-law, Mary McClellan, nieces Kathryn Roedel, Karen (Matthew Voelker) Wright, Jean Rohloff and Donna Bourque, nephews Brian (Marianne) Wright, John (Sharon) Rohloff and Mark (Nancy) McClellan, along with several great nieces and nephews and great great nieces. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Pohly, parents Joe and Rosina Hockey, Godparents Stafford and Hazel Ferkin, and beloved cousins Mary (Gordon) Cotterell, Alma(Clifford) North, and Norman Gibb. As well as, parents-in-law Allen and Mary Pohly, sister-in-law, Larice Rohloff, brothers-in-law Al Rohloff and Fred McClellan, granddaughter Mei Margaret (Maggie) Pohly, son-in-law, Alan Branham, and best friend Muriel Cottrill. The family wishes to express their appreciation to all of the McLaren Hospice staff, particularly Maryanne, who managed her care with the utmost dignity and compassion. They also wish to thank Nancy’s nurses and aides especially Yolanda, Linda S., Linda V., Melissa, Patricia, and Mary who provided her with the very best of care which made it possible to keep her at home until her passing. Memorial contributions may be made to the Flint Women and Girls Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint or to a charity of your choice.

Mrs. Nancy Pohly

December 10, 1928 - February 3, 2023