Kristen Elizabeth Nolan, age 44, of Orlando, FL, passed away unexpectedly on November 14th, 2025, on Damoy Point/ Dorian Bay, Weincke Island, Antarctica, while on an educational exhibition cruise.
Kristen lived in Orlando with her beloved 14-year-old fur babies, Eli and Caleb. She was born on September 6, 1981 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Terry Nolan and Vickie Patterson. She graduated from Columbia Central High School, Class of 2000, in Brooklyn, MI, and attended Ferris State University, majoring in recreation. She was also a Girl Scout with Irish Hills Girl Scout Counsel of Michigan, as scout, and camp counselor, and a member Phi Sigma Sigma.
She joined the Disney College Program in the early 2000s and remained connected to Disney for more than 15 years. Disney was not just something she enjoyed. It was a constant part of her life. She worked for Disney, attended the parks often, and found genuine happiness there. Many of her family and friends were blessed with her presence as their personal tour guide.
Kristen was also licensed in Cosmetology and Massage Therapy. As a hair instructor at Douglas J. Aveda Institute in Ann Arbor, Kristen enjoyed helping others feel confident in their skills. Even after moving on professionally, she continued to do hair for friends and family. Color was her specialty.
Kristen later would begin exploring a new career as a Cruise Connoisseur for American Express where she was in the top 100 in sales, and in her last year of life, she worked for Panache Cruises. She expressed often how much she loved their values and earnings potential. She loved traveling, spending time with her friends, eating good food, and curling up on the couch with her fur babies.
Kristen was kind, compassionate, and loyal. She never met a stranger. She could talk to anyone, and people immediately felt comfortable with her. She loved children and had a sweet, soft, and gentle way about her, and she gave the best hugs.
The absence of her loving spirit has sent a ripple of tremendous pain and sadness for everyone.
Kristen is survived by her mother, Vickie Patterson of Tennessee; her father, Terry Nolan of Saline; brother, Joshua (Leah Skalerop) Brandt of Iowa; grandmother, Doris L. Brown of Ann Arbor; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by grandparents: Morrel J. “Bud” and Ruby Seyfried Patterson, Cecilia “Angel” and David Taylor; and uncle, Randy Morrell Patterson.
Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 North Main St., Chelsea, MI on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 5-7 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family, care of Vickie Patterson.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
