Karen Jill Nestman

Karen J, age 74 of Trenton, Sept.18, 2013. Loving Aunt of Catherine Walker and Ronald Nestman. Great Aunt of nephews Joseph, Jonathan, and Andrew, and nieces Emily and Addisyn. Cherished Friend to Dorothy Hatch, Carol Crumpton, Mary Anne Voss, Mary Prentice, Veronica Padmas, Sandy Pisorski, Judith Thomas, and many many more. Anyone who met lifelong Trenton resident Karen "Jill" Nestman certainly always felt welcomed in her presence. She had a gift for greeting and knowing everyone in a room at even the largest gatherings. As a woman who got things done in a man's world long before it was a trend, those who knew Ms. Nestman knew she always did things her way, for the right reasons. And when she died on the day of her 74th birthday, Sept. 18, 2013 after a year-long battle with cancer, some of her friends viewed it as a symbolic example of Ms. Nestman's penchant for doing thing son her own terms. As an advocate for Downriver she was adamant about promoting the Josephine Ford Cancer Center-Downriver, which she opened and where she worked for 17 years. She had a way of involving everyone she knew in what she was passionate about. Ms. Nestman also had a mindset for only using Downriver businesses for any service the facility needed. She loved living and working Downriver and was a fierce advocate of teaching others not from the area about all the great things that Downriver has to offer. She trained her staff and led by example how to express concern and kindness with the utmost respect for the patients that were seen at the Center. She helped create programs for patients and made sure her employees were recognized and honored for thieir exceptional patient care. She fundraised tirelessly for JFCC to help with expansion plans and allow for new technology purchases. "Jill has been a true inspiration and blessing to me , and it was an honor to work with her and call her my friend," friend and former co-worker Carol Crumpton said, echoing the sentiments of many people who knew her. Ms. Nestman was a member of many groups, including the Trenton Business Association, the Downriver and Detroit Business Association, the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber and the Downriver Networking Group for senior care providers. After a particularly successful, she was honored personally by Henry Ford Health Systems CEO Nancy Schlichting for her commitment to community leadership. Last year, she retired as the office manager at Josephine Ford Cancer Center Downriver and had plans for traveling. This was before her own case of cancer needed treatment at the very place she helped so many others. Many of her friends remember Ms. Nestman from a previous career at the 33rd District Court. She also previously held an ownership stake in a temporary staffing business, sold real estate and worked at Manufacturers bank in Detroit, as well as McLouth Steel. Some acquaintances knew her from her favorite restaurant, Sibley Gardens, or because of her support at many of the events, festivals and fundraisers around town. "She had so many friends from all walks of life and had a way of letting each one think they were her very best friend," said Mary Ann Voss, a friend since the age of 14. Melva Prentice, who knew Ms. Nestman from their work together at the District Court, said: "It was evident to me that Jill was a very unique and special person when she started work at the court. I am very lucky to have known her and will remember her and her wisdom forever. Her cross section of friends never ceased to amaze me. She could talk to a king or a cat!" Ms. Nestman enjoyed getting together with friends, decorating and entertaining at her home. She also was known to have "princess parties" whenever a Royal Wedding would occur and serve tea and crumpets in the early hours of the morning and then toast the bride and groom with mimosas after the "I do's," Ms. Nestman was typically described by those who knew her as strong, fun, intelligent, caring, giving,funny and a true friend. "If Heinz Prechter was the 'King' of Downriver, then Jill was the Queen," another friend , Barb Czopek, said. Another longtime friend said, "She did it her way. She left the world on the same day she arrived-the true circle of life." In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Karen Jill Nestman to the Josephine Ford Cancer Center-Downriver Expansion Fund, 19675 Allen Road, Brownstown, MI 48183