Obituaries

Nancy Carolyn (Dawe) Noble

Age 82, died April 25, 2022 at her home in Jackson, Michigan, losing her battle with MDS blood cancer and PML brain infection. Born in Ann Arbor, she grew up in Port Huron and then lived in Ann Arbor, Lapeer, Davison, Flushing and, for nearly 30 years, on Runyan Lake near Fenton before she and her husband of more than 60 years moved to Jackson four years ago.

Nancy was the founding director of the Salem-South Lyon District Library (SSLD). She went to the South Lyon City Library in 1989 and oversaw the creation and funding of the new, independent library district and construction of the SSLD library, which opened in 1998. Before going to South Lyon she was systems services manager at the Genesee District Library. Nancy joined GDL as librarian in its Flushing branch. She was GDL regional manager of libraries in five Genesee County communities before heading systems services. She started her career as a children's librarian in Lapeer.

Nancy earned her Master's Degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, following her Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from the same campus. A state-certified professional librarian, she stayed up to date in the evolving field of library science by taking numerous special and advanced programs offered by various institutions. She was a member of the Public Library Association and several other professional and community organizations.

Sharon Lee Kokenakes

Age 82, of Chelsea, formerly of Ann Arbor Michigan, peacefully passed away April 22, 2022, with her family by her side. She was born to the late Ethel and Elmer Porter, on November 14,1939, in Pontiac, Michigan.

Sharon married Theodore Kokenakes on March 25th, 1963 where they lived together in Ann Arbor, Michigan for fifty five years before relocating to Chelsea, Michigan. Sharon is preceded in death by her daughter Therese Kokenakes. Sharon is survived by her two daughters: Melissa Kokenakes of Chelsea, and Jennifer Kokenakes (Scott Cratty) of Tampa, Florida. She is also survived by two grandchildren Sarah Budnick and Nathan Budnick.

Richard Currie Hall

of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Ypsilanti, age 67, died Sunday, April 24, 2022, at St. Joseph Chelsea Hospital. He was born December 6, 1954, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the son of John Alexander and Geneva Pearl (Walton) Hall.

Richard was a member of Chelsea Rod and Gun. He enjoyed hunting and liked to camp. He was a good father and husband; he was proud of his sons and grandkids. Richard was a Construction Superintendent and was proud of his many projects in the Ann Arbor area, including Domino Farms and Zion Church.

Ralph Mario Szymaszek

Of Willis, Michigan, age 65, died unexpectedly on Friday, April 8, 2022, at his home. He was born April 12, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, the only child of Marion and Beatrice (Wisnewski) Szymaszek.

Ralph graduated from Cody High School in Detroit, in 1974. He worked his entire life in maintenance including Heublein, Roush and most recently, McNaughton & Gunn in Saline. Everyone knew Ralph for his big heart and unique sense of humor. He loved his family and friends and would do anything for them. He enjoyed his toys as much as he did cars and his amazing collection of retro nostalgic memorabilia.