Nancy Mae Niva (Tervo) "Nana" of Brighton, Michigan (formerly Livonia) passed away on January 17, 2024 at the age of 88.

Nancy was born on July, 11th 1935 in Laurium, Michigan.  She was the third child of Alfred and Sadie (Stein) Tervo.  She had 2 older sisters, Norma (Kilberg) and Betty (Troy), both deceased, and a younger sister, Dawn (Kushiner).

Nancy was a lifelong resident of Michigan.  She was a 'Yooper' growing up until she moved to the Detroit area where she obtained her Nursing degree from Sinai Hospital School of Nursing.  After moving to Detroit she met her husband Howard Niva,  another 'Yooper' who grew up not too far from where Nancy was raised, although they never met until coming to Detroit.

Nancy and Howard were avid travelers, making multiple trips to Africa.   Nancy continued this passion after Howard's passing in 2001.  She went on many group tours to various locations around the world and a few trans-oceanic cruises with Jill. She was most proud of visiting all of the 7 Wonders of the World.

Nancy and Howard had 3 children, Beth(Chester) Sliwowski , Brad Niva, and Jill(David) Cooper.  They had 8 grandkids: Saundra (Greg) Snyder, Stuart (Katie) Sliwowski, Sarah Sliwowski (Zack Rodebaugh), Suzanne Sliwowski, Samantha Niva, Andrew Niva, and Matt (Paula Kruger) Suszkiewicz, David Evan (Kristin) Cooper,  There are also 2 great-grandkids, Sydnei King and Atlas Cooper.

Nancy was a surgical nurse for many years before working in private medical offices and then for Michigan Peer Review as a manager until she retired.

A Celebration of Life will be planned in the future (spring or early summer).  Details will be shared as soon as they become firm.

Due to Nancy's love of Africa and the wildlife there, especially Giraffes, she requested that donations be made to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (https://giraffeconservation.org/donate/)