Nancy Yakas (LaPate), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 5th, 2025, at the age of 91 with her children by her side. Born in Detroit, Michigan, she dedicated her life to her family and community.

Nancy’s greatest joy was taking care of her loved ones. She treasured traveling with her husband, Joe, shopping with her sister, and sharing special moments with family and friends. She kept a keen interest in local news and sports, often engaging in thoughtful conversations with her sister, Marguerite, who preceded her in death. A lover of Italian specialties, she delighted in cooking for those she loved, and was especially fond of a cold glass of Vernors or a Root Beer Float.

Nancy’s career began at Detroit Edison, but it was her role as a devoted mother and volunteer that defined her life. In 1958, she married Joe in Detroit, and together they raised their four children while nurturing a home filled with love, warmth, and tradition. She was always present at her children’s school and extracurricular activities, often traveling out of state to see them perform or compete. Nancy also gave back to her community, volunteering with the Women's Guild and Funeral Luncheons at St. John Neumann Parish, where she and Joe were founding members. Their strong faith and dedication to their church continued throughout their lives.

Nancy and Joe were married for 66 wonderful years. Their love for one another was constant, and their commitment to family was unparalleled. Their life living together for 62 years was joyful. Even as Alzheimer's took hold in 2021, separating them into different homes, Nancy's gentle spirit remained, and her love for her family never wavered. She was a quiet warrior, always enduring hardship with grace and never complaining.

Nancy was a woman of immense strength and kindness, a "gentle giant" despite her small stature. Her legacy lives on in the countless gifts she gave to those around her—her love, her care, and her unwavering devotion to family and faith. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were fortunate to know her.

Nancy is preceded in death by her sister, Marguerite, and is survived by her husband of 66 years, Joe, her children, Tom (Lisa), Julie Mannlein (Ed), Mary, Jim (Heidi), grandchildren, Joe and Brandon Mannlein, Cole, Tyler, Michael and Norah Yakas and many friends who will carry her memory with them always.

She will be buried next to her loving parents, Angeline and Joseph LaPate in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery located in Southfield, MI. A memorial is planned at St. Kenneth Catholic Church in Plymouth, MI and will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025 beginning in the gathering room at 1:00 PM, with a Mass to follow at 1:30 PM. A final goodbye is planned at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org) or Capuchin Soup Kitchen (cskdetroit.org) in Nancy’s memory.