Nian Beyer Tuttle

Nian Tuttle was a compassionate, caring, determined woman who dedicated her life to helping others. She spent a lifetime serving her community as a caring and compassionate nurse, but more than that, she was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother to the people who brought her life extraordinary joy. Nian gave much of her time and energy to others, and those she met along life’s pathway usually walked away with a smile because of her loving humor and kind heart. Nian was truly a ray of sunshine for those close enough to receive the gift of her warmth.

Many people today believe that times are tough, but in 1930, our country was in the depths of the Great Depression. People were without jobs and many families waited in long lines for sometimes their only meal of the day, a bowl of soup. The country was rampant with despair and many one-time wealthy men could only afford to purchase hope. Nian was born into these bleak times on November 14, 1930, in Stratton Island, New York to Esther Joyce Beyer. She was the middle of three children with an older brother, Jim, and younger sister, Jerid. They were raised by their mother in the bustling suburbs of New York, and had a dog named Brownie. In time, Nian’s mom was offered a job in Milwaukee, Wisconsin selling wedding dresses, so they packed up and moved to the serene Midwest.

As a young girl, Nian had aspirations of being a nurse, and she achieved her dream at the age of 24, when she graduated from the nursing program and became a Registered Nurse. A year later, Nian married Raymond Tuttle, and shortly after saying “I do,” the newlyweds moved to New Hampshire and put down roots to start their family. Over the next few years, they became the proud parents of three children: James, Robert and Ann. Besides being a devoted wife and mother, Nian was dedicated to her job as an RN at Huggins Hospital, though most of her career, she was a greatly admired nurse at a nursing home in Carroll County, New Hampshire. Although work had its place, nothing made Nian happier than to go home to her 3 beautiful children, who were her life. Unfortunately, Nian’s marriage to Raymond ended in divorce after 20 years.

For Nian, family was the greatest source of happiness in her life. She adored her children, and becoming a grandmother to 7 precious grandchildren was just the icing on the cake. There were always giggles and laughter in the air when Grandma Nian was around – she never ceased to amuse them. Nian especially enjoyed the moments spent singing with her granddaughters, Rebecca and Leann. Over the years, Nian had also numbered 10 different cats to her family, and welcomed each in her home. Needless to say, holidays were one of her favorite times of the year when all the family came together for food, fellowship and lots of laughs.

Nian had a pretty laidback demeanor; still she was known to speak her mind when warranted. It was the simple things in life that brought her the most joy, like going to dinner and a movie, listening to classical music and being serenaded to sleep every night by Barry White. There wasn’t a piece of chocolate that Nian didn’t love, and going to church was as important to her as her family. Traveling was also something Nian loved, and she went to Chicago to visit her sister, Jerid, every chance she got. Her most memorable trip, however, was to Tokyo, Japan with her son, Robert. In her quieter moments at home, Nian loved watching the Golden Girls sitcom, and of course, her favorite soap operas of which she were a faithful viewer for many years!

Although Nian will be deeply missed, her legacy of love and dedication leaves her loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort.

Nian Tuttle (nee Beyer), age 82, died on Sunday, July 14, 2013, at Alexian Village Nursing Home under Horizon Hospice care. Mother of James, Robert, and Ann Tuttle. Grandmother of Beth, John, Cassie, Michelle, Alex, Rebecca, and Leann. Sister of Jerid Hecht. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Family and friends will gather on Saturday, July 20, at Suminski Family Life Story Funeral Home, Suminski/Weiss location in Milwaukee from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m.