Nola J. Alkasses

Nola Alkasses born November 13 1928 in Sparta Michigan and passed away September 7, 2025 at the age of 96 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

She is preceded in death by her husband John Alkasses. Nola is also preceded in death by her three brothers and their wives, along with her four sister-in-law’s and their husbands on John’s side of the family.

Nola is survived by her four children Patricia (Larry) Donnelly, Linda Debraber, Cathy Coppin, and Sandra (Lou) Grego. She is also survived by her seven grandsons, Corey, Kyle, Ryan Donnelly, Curtis, Michael, Chris DeBraber, Josh Coppin and her four great grandchildren, Ella Donnelly, Ryland Hall, Spencer, and Madison DeBraber.

Nola was the only daughter with three younger brothers born to Richard and Mable Heath. Nola grew up in Sparta, Michigan. However, she moved to new homes a number of times. She graduated from Sparta High School in 1947, and worked in the payroll department at Michigan Stamping and Plating in Grand Rapids, Michigan where she met her future husband, John. Later they married in 1950. Nola was an active, hands-on mother to her four daughters, involved in school and church activities/community.

Nola loved to bake and was a great cook. Her Christmas cookie trays were legendary sharing with family and friends. Nola, loved to travel, and was able to take many cruises with family and friends. She also traveled overseas visiting multiple different countries, many times. Nola loved the game of golf, playing with her husband. Nola had a special place in her heart for animals especially her Pomeranian dogs who she loved dearly and were her constant companions after her husband passed in 1992.

A memorial mass of a Christian burial will be held at 11 am on Monday, September 15, 2025 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, located at 2275 Diamond N.E. Grand Rapids Michigan 49505. Visitation will be held one hour prior to mass.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Nola’s memory to Faith Hospice, or to the Humane Society of West Michigan.

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