Obituary of Nancy Irene Marinelli

Nancy Irene Dalke was born in Toledo, Ohio on March 2, 1947. She was one of three daughters born to Richard and June (Parker) Dalke. Nancy graduated from Start High School in Toledo with the Class of 1965. She later attended beauty school where she obtained a certificate in cosmetology and worked as a beautician prior to the birth of her children. She was also employed in the billing department of Mercy Hospital in Toledo for a time. However, Nancy cherished her role as a mother and grandmother above anything else. She was blessed with three daughters and a son from her union to Michael Marinelli and often babysat her grandchildren as well as the little ones of friends and neighbors.

In addition to caring for children, Nancy’s kind heart also extended to caring for animals. She was certified by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to rehabilitate injured animals. Nancy also raised many species of birds which she sold to pet stores. She was equally talented at caring for plants and cultivated gardens lush with vegetables and beautiful flowers every season. A skilled crafter and seamstress, Nancy specialized in painting and quilting. She even sewed gorgeous wedding gowns for two of her daughters. Nancy also created beautiful wedding and birthday cakes. A devout Catholic, she was a longtime parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Erie. Nancy taught religious education at both St. Joseph and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Temperance, Michigan for many years.

Nancy Irene Marinelli, age 77, of Erie, Michigan passed away peacefully at home on Thursday; June 6, 2024. Her passing was preceded by her parents.  

To cherish her memory she leaves three daughters: Christy (Mark) Mercurio of Erie, Andrea (Chad) Teague of Temperance, Michigan, and Michelle Marinelli (Michael Martin) of Columbus, Montana; a son: Matthew (Melinda) Marinelli of Erie; seven grandchildren: Nicholas Mercurio, Anthony (Misha) Mercurio, Zachary (Sierra) Mercurio, Austin Teague (Olivia), Callie Teague, Devin (Briana) Marinelli, and Cody (Shyann) Marinelli; eleven great grandchildren: Samuel, Madison, Luka, Beau, Braxton, Lilliea, Halaya, Jaisek, Khaos, Peyton, and Jackson plus a baby girl expected soon; two sisters: Carol (Ken) Michelson and Sharon Dalke (Rick); and several nieces and nephews.

Nancy’s care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, Erie; 9156 Summit Street, Erie, Michigan 48133 (734) 317-7199. She will lie in state from 10:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am on Wednesday; June 12, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church; 2214 Manhattan Street, Erie, Michigan 48133. Cremation will follow at the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, a division of Merkle Enterprises Inc. Nancy’s cremated remains will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Erie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.