Obituary of Nancy Margaret Gardner
GARDNER, Nancy Margaret Lydia
Passed away peacefully with family by her side at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto on Sunday July 18, 2021. Nancy Gardner of Brockville and formerly of Pickering. Beloved wife of Richard Harrison. Loving mother and best friend to her daughters Shannon Spano (Robert) and Katie Pounder. Treasured “Nama” of Connor Slade. Cherished sister of Robert Gardner (Jennifer). Dearest daughter of the late Jean Glen and Robert Gardner and darling niece of the extended Glen Family. Loved by Richard’s children Amanda (Adam) and Spencer (Tori) and grandchildren Rufus and Evie. Will be forever missed by her cousins, nieces and nephews, her three boys Zack, Tucker and Gulliver, and by a legion of friends that were family to Nancy.
Nancy was born and raised in Brockville, a lover of the St Lawrence River and summers at Butternut Bay. Nancy attended the University of Waterloo, where she met life-long friends before moving to Ottawa, Toronto, and later Pickering. She built a successful career as a Real Estate Broker, and was known for her integrity, insight and the personal connection to her clients. Nancy was a founding Board Member of Herizon House (a shelter for abused women and children in Durham Region) and a devoted and celebrated volunteer for patients in palliative care and their families with Hospice Durham and Leeds & Grenville Hospice. In the toughest times when others wouldn’t know what to say, you could always count on Nancy to show up, lend her strength and wisdom, make you smile and laugh, and share in your sorrow until your world felt a little lighter.
Nancy lived for live music, catchy tunes, animals, road trips, finding antiques and treasures, and any opportunity to meaningfully connect with others. Some of her greatest joys were time spent walking with her dogs at Petticoat Creek and Brown’s Bay. Nancy was a great protector; she was passionate about rescuing and rehabilitating animals and opened her home to many throughout her life, so that they could thrive in her love.
She loved and was loved. There was no such thing as a casual acquaintance to Nancy. Clients, co-workers, and friends of her daughters became part of her ever-growing circle. Her friends were her family. She was fiercely loyal and deeply rooted in her values, standing up and speaking out if she came across injustice, prejudice and inequality. Nancy also had a quick wit, an incredible and often naughty sense of humour, and a perpetual twinkle in her eye. She was passionate about enthusiastically celebrating the joys and successes of those she loved. Nancy was especially proud of her two daughters and grandson Connor, and was a pillar of strength, joy and silliness in each of their lives. Her light, her spirit, and her legacy live on in each of them.
On New Years Eve 2003, Nancy had her enchanted first date with Richard and began their great love story. Nancy and Richard adventured to Ottawa, and settled into a beautiful Victorian home in Brockville that was her favourite on the street that she lived as a child. She was truly proud and loved the home and life they cultivated together.
Nancy is now reunited with three of her best friends, Judy, Mary-Ellen and Mary, her parents, her pets, and many special souls that she loved and lost during her incredible life.
She loved and was loved and will never be forgotten.
A Celebration of Nancy’s Life will be held at in the Chapel of the Barclay Funeral Home, 137 Pearl Street East, Brockville, on Friday July 8th, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.
In memory of Nancy and in lieu of flowers, donations to Loyal Rescue in Pickering or the Herizon House in Ajax are appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Barclay Funeral Home, 137 Pearl Street East Brockville. Messages of condolences may be made online at www.barclayfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Nancy
Margaret
Gardner 1951 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Brockville, Province: Ontario