It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Nancy Smith on October 14, 2015.
Nancy was predeceased by her mother and father, Agnes (Nancy) and William (Bill) Rae of Winnipeg; and her brother-in-law Terry Falconer also of Winnipeg.
Left to cherish her memory, her beloved husband of 46 years, Gary; sons Chad and Dean Smith; daughters-in-law Lindsey and Tracey; grandchildren Parker, Brooklynn, Madison, Piper and Bryce. Sister Irene Falconer; brothers Thomas and Gordon Rae; sister-in-law Susan Rae; brother and sisters-in-law Don and Mary Ellen Smith and Gail and Wilf Abel; aunt Hettie and uncle John in Scotland; nephews Andrew (Leanne), Jamie and Rob Falconer; Iain, Colin and Graeme Rae; as well as numerous cousins and close family friends.
Our beloved mom was born on May 29, 1947 in Glasgow, Scotland and immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1952 with her family; her nickname on the boat was “Nancy Pretty” as she was a red haired beauty. She graduated from Daniel MacIntyre Collegiate where she earned the honour of a “maroon flying m” for excellence in athletics. Nancy met Gary Smith through a mutual friend and they were married on October 11, 1969. It was with Gary that she found her soul mate and would spend the next 46 years together, raising a family and pursuing their many recreational passions. Their first son, Chad was born in 1973 and soon after in 1975, came Dean. Nancy was a loving mother who was always dedicated to her family. She was an avid baseball player as well as curler with the Business Ladies Afternoon League at the Charleswood Curling Club and worked for the Winnipeg School District as a teacher’s aide until she was forced to retire due to health issues. Nancy loved her time working with the schools and helped hundreds of children during her career.
After retirement, Nancy and Gary moved to Courtenay, BC where they would spend the next 13 years enjoying their many recreational pursuits together. She enjoyed fishing, camping, and travelling the world which included Australia and Scotland. She also loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren; she was a fun loving, creative and tender-hearted grandma. They made annual trips to the family cabin at Royal Lake, winters in Melaque, Mexico and fishing in Tahsis, BC. Nancy was active in the Army and Navy ladies auxiliary in Winnipeg and continued her service work with the Courtenay and Cumberland legions in BC.
Nancy was an amazing and loyal friend; she was an excellent cook, always friendly, talkative, helpful and caring. She was blessed with numerous lifelong friendships and will be missed by many in the Comox Valley as well as Winnipeg, where she is deeply missed by her long time best friend Helen Parker. Nancy was a special lady and our hearts and lives are forever better for her being a part of them.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Cortez for her excellent, compassionate care for many years and particularly for her respectful end of life care. Nancy lived her life her own way and right to the end everything was done to her wishes with her family by her side.
A service of remembrance to celebrate Nancy’s life will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 1:00pm in the Cumberland Community Church 2732 Penrith Ave, followed by a social gathering at the Cumberland Legion on 2770 Dunsmuir Avenue.
Flowers are welcomed or donations may be made in Nancy’s honour to either the Canadian Cancer Society or the Royal Canadian Legion.