In Remembrance…
Nancy Ellen McNaughton nee Davidson was born on a sunny May 25th in 1961 in Winnipeg at Women’s Hospital. Daughter of Pat and Norm Davidson, baby sister to Kathleen, who was two years old. Kathy couldn’t pronounce the word “little”. As in little baby. So “litten baby” Nancy was known as Litten or Littie for many years.
The Davidson’s relocated to Edmonton due to Norm’s work as a salesman for Simmons Ltd. Sister Carolyn and brother John were born there, at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. From their home on 139th Street Nancy ventured forth to Woodcroft Elementary School, where she was a good student. She loved school. She attended with her best friend and neighbour Erica Goertz. The four Goertz girls, living right next door, were a second family to the Davidson girls.
The summer before grade four, the Davidson’s moved back to Winnipeg. Back near family, Nancy enjoyed new friends, her schools, summer fun and church (First Lutheran). Growing up in River Heights in the 1970’s was a magical time – the years at Brock Corydon, J.B. Mitchell and Grant Park were memorable in the long term friendships that were made.
The Davidsons were long time members of The Winnipeg Canoe Club, tennis section and Nancy worked summer jobs there, waitressing and working at Reception. Other work included a stint at Great West Life, hairdressing, and church secretary at First Lutheran. After raising her children, she found her milieu working as a support person in Envision homes, a job she enjoyed as she was able to help and care for those in need. She took courses, liked her colleagues and cared deeply for those clients in her care. She also acted as a TA in the art class at Niverville High School, combining her love of people, especially young people, with her love of art. She took great joy in her relationships with the students she worked with.
Nancy was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when she was in her early twenties. Surgeries followed and she handled them with grace and great resilience, as she was to do with her health for the remainder of her life.
Nancy’s dream was always to be a wife and mother. Her three children – Ethan, Connor and Olivia – were the pride of her life. She was amazed by and grateful for the wonderful adults they have become.
Nancy was a good friend. She listened. She had a good sense of humour and an infectious smile. She laughed with you. She was always there to celebrate with you. She saw the good in people. And she had many wonderful friends she was close to, cherished and will watch with fondness from beyond. In particular, Nancy treasured her friendship with Annalie Kehler, sister of her heart, who was also a great friend and support to Nancy’s parents, Pat and Norm, until the end.
Nancy’s diagnosis of colon cancer came in 2014 and she fought hard in the following years, through a stroke, heart surgery and finally, cancer that spread to lung and liver. The chemo that followed was difficult but her optimism and courage always shone through. Her kindness and care were always for those around her – especially friends, doctors, nurses and other health professionals who supported and cared for her.
Nancy favourite things, in no particular order:
– 70’s music but really, most music
– Art, especially drawing
– Worship, Sunday school
– Roller skating
– Trivial Pursuit
– Gimli / Loni Beach holidays
– Clear Lake holidays
– Howe Island holidays
– Secret Garden Inn holidays
– Anything Paris
– Her sunroom on Roselawn
– Time spent with family, especially family dinners and special occasions
– Her years as a TA in the art class at Niverville High School
– Pets, especially rescue cats
– Chocolate
– Princess Diana
– Crossword puzzles
– Murder, She Wrote
– The green of the view from her condo, the wind in the trees, the flower filled porch
– Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…
Nancy will be greatly missed by her children; Ethan (Kirsten), Connor (Ashley), and Olivia. Her granddaughters Kaylee, Aubree and Charlotte. Her siblings: Kathy, Carolyn and John (Tina). And numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother Pat and her father Norman passed away a day after Nancy, on his 95th birthday. They are all together now.
There are certain people who touch our lives in a unique way. Knowing them is a gift, a joy, an inspiration. When they’re gone, all the memories of who they are and what they’ve done stay with us, making us grateful to have known and loved them. Nancy was such a person.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Nancy McNaughton Friday July 29th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba