Nancy Elaine Kosier Johansen, a woman of many roles, including a single mother, grandmother, aunt, music teacher, and friend to many, passed away on October 18, 2023. Her final weeks were filled with the joy and love of her daughter Sonja, son Thor, and her granddaughters. She was 87 years old.

Born in Lansing, Mich., to Bernice (Beehler) Kosier and Elmo Kosier, and brothers Frank and Richard, and sister Jean Ann. Nancy was the oldest girl. Nancy was a gifted singer, pianist, and teacher who lived her life with laughter and song. She lived in Perry, MI, St Paul, MN, Winona, MN, Muskegon, MI., and Kent, WA. Her dedication to her children guided her choices.

Despite the challenges of raising four young children, Nancy’s passion for music led her to earn a master’s degree in vocal education. She finished her degree when her oldest was 10. This marked the beginning of a rich teaching career that spanned decades at Reeths Puffer High School in Muskegon, MI. Her dedication and talent were evident in the numerous regional and state awards her student soloists, Madrigal a capella group, and choir consistently brought home. Nancy’s influence extended beyond the classroom, as she mentored and encouraged many of us to embrace the healing powers of song and develop a life-long love of singing. Her notable achievements include winning regionals with the Metropolitan Opera, singing in Europe with an international choir, and being chosen multiple times by NATS to lead state choirs.
Once she moved to the Seattle area, she joined Fairwood Community United Methodist Church, gave her gift of music to all facets of the services, and made dear friends.
In the last years, she lived with her son Thor in Kent as she endured health challenges. She loved her dogs Ben, Mollie, and Ellie.
Nancy is survived by her sister Jean Anne(Kosier) Haas, her daughter Sonja Waters, and her sons Bernie Johansen, Leif Johansen, and Thor Johansen. Her brothers Frank Kosier and Richard Kosier passed away. Her grandchildren are Jacqui Waters, Nikki Waters, Ian Johansen, Josh Johansen, Chris Johansen, Joakim Johansen, Milo Johansen, and Timon Johansen. She had many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and too many cousins to count.

In honor of Nancy, take a moment, turn on your favorite music, and sing at the top of your lungs. She always said, “Everyone can learn to sing.” Here is thelink (https://orcd.co/y2m42al) to her college senior recital. Feel free to share far and wide, and of course, ENJOY!