CHELSEA, Mich.–Nancee Sanville, wife of Purple Rose Theatre artistic director Guy Sanville and mother of Rose Sanville, passed away on April 26th following a long illness.

Nancee was not an employee of the theatre, but every actor, tech and apprentice who has worked at the Rose came to know Nancee as a sunny presence, nurturing the Rose family and being a inspiring presence to the Rose production teams and patrons.

“Nancee was among the most encouraging and supportive people I’ve ever known,” says Rusty Mewha, who has performed in several of the Rose’s productions including the current All My Sons. Added Mewha: “She believed in and cherished the work we do at the Purple Rose, but more so the people who create it. She was a friend and mother to us, and I will forever miss her hugs, smile, and spirit.”

“Nancee Sanville was one of the sunniest people I have ever known,” said EncoreMichigan publisher David Kiley. “Having worked at the Rose at one time, and in my role now, she was a carrier of positive energy and has shown us nothing but grace since her illness was first diagnosed.”

Nancee’s obituary, written by her family:

“On Friday, April 26th, 2019, Nancee Sanville’s body could no longer contain all of the light she had to give, and so with strength and grace our loving wife, mother, and friend passed away at the age of 57. Nancee was born on November 10, 1961, in Lansing, Michigan to Patrick and Patricia Devlin. On January 10, 1987, she married the love of her life, Guy Sanville, and on July 9th, 1998, the two welcomed daughter, Rose, to the world.  From that day Nancee made raising her daughter and making a loving home for her family her life’s work.

Nancee was a generous and devoted friend to many, who will forever be remembered for her brighter than the sun smiles, her enveloping hugs, and infectious laugh. Nancee loved gardening, the theatre, dogs, cats, books, her rocks, and above all, her home that she shared with the lights of her life. She is survived by her husband, Guy, daughter, Rose, mother, Patricia, siblings, Deb, Colleen, Mike, and their respective families.

A Celebration of her Life will be held on Monday, May 20th, 2019 at the Chelsea Comfort Inn & Village Conference Center from 4-8 p.m. The service will begin at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in her name to the Arbor Hospice Foundation, the Cancer Center at Saint Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital or the Purple Rose Theatre Company. The family asks that you tell someone you love them, everyday.”