Nancy's Story

Storytelling is something that connects people and brings them closer together.

We believe it is important to share the incredible stories of our residents. In this 'your story in ten question' series we use ten meaningful questions to help tell their story. Our goal is to bring people together through their shared experiences, different perspectives & a desire to learn about one another in a new way.

Nancy is featured throughout our website! Introducing Nancy (see below with her husband Eric)

Nancy's Story 

What was your greatest challenge you overcame & how?

My Dad taught me early to respect and value people for who they were, not because of title, social rank, skin colour. He was a generous, compassionate man who always tried to help others. He was a coal miner in the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s and times were hard and so materially he had very little but we were much loved and were wealthy in that sense.

Something not a lot of people would know about you?

From grade 4 through 11 I was fortunate to grow up across the river from Rainy River, ON in Baudette, MN. It was a wonderful place to grow up in and there were ongoing visits by everyone back and forth between the towns and countries.

What are you most grateful for in your life?

I am more thankful than I can express for those who, when I was at university, encouraged me to becomes a follower of Jesus. That decision has determined the entire course of my life and I have no regrets about it. So many others have been good to me, and the most significant one is my husband, Eric.   

What did you do for work? what was this experience like?

I went into nursing school and it was here that I found faith in Jesus. This was further nourished at university where I took Public Health Nursing. We had a large Intervarsity group on campus and I was involved in that as part of  the leadership committee. Another member, a post grad fellow from England, Eric, was also a part of that. He became a friend of us all.

After 3 years I graduated and went with 2 friends on a trip through Europe. I bought a VW from the factory and we put 8000 miles on it. We then went to England and Eric was our tour guide around London, off again hitchhiking around UK and I had to be back in London again…3 days before I flew home Eric proposed! I had no idea he had any real interest. Now for 57 years he has been my best friend. I flew home, we lived through the (now almost forgotten) Cuban missile crisis and then we were married and lived in UK for a year. Then followed 7 enjoyable years in Kenya, 3 in the UK  and now 45 in Canada. 

What’s something you’ve wanted to do but haven’t to date?

Over the years I have had to grieve what I didn’t have in my early years but am so grateful for what I do have.

What does age mean to you?

Age is a matter of the mind, but I do realize some of my stamina has gone! And I haven’t been able to keep going up with my water-color painting, yet!

Who are the most important people in your life & why?

The last 2 years we have been closer to a lot of the family. With 3 children, 10 grandchildren (1 a girl), and 3 great g. children. Just last week one of our grandsons was married in Waterloo and the ceremony was held in our daughter’s family beautiful yard, because of naturally, the Covid “stuff.”

I am blessed! I’m thankful too for our friendships with so many others from different cultures.