January 3, 1957 ~ December 5, 2023
Nancy passed away peacefully, holding the hand of her beloved husband. She left a legacy of compassion, kindness and cherished memories.
Loving wife of Andrew and devoted mother to Alexander (Nikki) and Matthew (Britney) and sister to Ian and aunt to Jeff. Predeceased by her beloved brother Brian and mother Helen Nicholson. Cherished daughter of Charles Nicholson. An expectant grandmother to her first grandchild, a girl, in January.
Nancy was born in Sudbury, graduated from McMaster University and started her career in softwear in Toronto. She was deeply devoted to her family and dedicated her life to raising two outstanding sons of whom she was so proud. She was extremely thankful that her two sons found the loves of their lives in Nikki and Britney.
Her life was filled with adventure as she moved to Rossland, BC for two years and enjoyed the mountains and nature of BC. Ultimately moving to Vancouver in 2006 where she continued to enjoy the great outdoors by hiking, snowshoeing, skiing and kayaking. She was a true partner for her husband and the outdoor activities. Her travels took her to Kyoto, Tokyo, China, Jerusalem, Austria, Paris, Mexico, London, Vienna, Italy, Greece, Peru and all through North America. Establishing a beautiful vacation home in Scottsdale where she developed precious friendships.
Her attributes of compassion, kindness, empathy, generosity were experienced by many. She felt strongly about supporting a variety of charities both local and global which supported the sick, the under-privileged, the abused, the neglected parts of society. She supported charities that provide hope and comfort to those in distress. She was a keen supporter of her Church. She made the world a better place. Her greatest accomplishment was raising her family to be loving and supportive of each other. Her guiding message that she followed was;
“This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or grow in its light and be of service to others. But what I do with this day is important because I have exchanged a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. I hope I will not regret the price I paid for it.”
Author Anonymous
There will be a celebration of life in 2024 in Vancouver and Toronto with dates and locations to be advised. In the meantime, donations in honour of Nancy can be made to BC Cancer (Neuroendocrine Tumours Research Fund), Lions Gate Hospital (Palliative Care), North Shore Hospice, St James Music Academy or a charity of your choice.
18 Comments
Janine Keith
The World is a better place because you were in it my dear friend. My Life was enriched because you were in it and I will always cherish that. You were a force of nature, a true warrior for people in all walks of life, you were the bright light in their darkest days now the light shines upon you my dear friend as you are in the greatest place of all and I know you will continue to do great things from
above. Till we meet again sweet friend ❤️ Love Nini xo
Patti Day
We will miss Nancy and her kindness terribly. She will be in our hearts forever.
Kazuma Ishikawa
Andrew always talked about you and let me use your equipment when we snowshoed together. How glad I was that he took me hiking when I transferred to Vancouver in the midst of the Covid-related restrictions and had no family or friends. Though short, it was great to see you when I dropped by after hiking to Quarry Rock and at your wedding anniversary party. Please rest in peace.
Margaret Anscombe
Andrew and family:
I can only imagine your pain as you face the loss of one as precious as I know Nancy was and will always be. She was such a remarkable woman in every sphere of her life and clearly, while the world has dimmed with her loss, I know *your* world has been absolutely shattered. That you all loved and supported her as you did through her last and most difficult fight is a testament to how deeply she demonstrated her love for all of you from the moment each of you entered her life.
While Nancy ‘s earthly life came to an all too soon end, may her beautiful spirit now be at the rest it so tirelessly earned by living and loving so well. My heart is with you all now and will continue to be in the days ahead.
~Marg
“Perhaps the stars in the sky are our loved ones, letting us know they are near, guiding us through the night.”
Andrew
Thanks for your kind and perceptive comments. You are correct our World is shattered but her legacy of generosity and kindness along with the memories she created will sustain us though our grief.
Andrew Roebuck
I knew Nancy through the BOSS (Andrew) and met her at various industry events and she invited me and my wife to her home in North Vancouver. She was a truly nice and generous person and fully down to earth with all people. I know the impact she had on her family and join them in missing a truly precious light
Andrew
Thanks Andy. Yes she didn’t have an inflated ego and she was generous with her time and made everyone feel special. Remember our trip to Rome and London? Always a lot of laughs and humour wherever she went.
Andrew Stonkus
Thanks Patti for your kind comments. First year roommates at Mac which developed into a close friendship that lasted Nancy’s entire life. Friendships like the “Bates Girls” is a rare occurrence but all of you stuck together through the good and hard times. She loved you all.
Andrew
You are right Andy, she didn’t have an inflated ego and she was generous with her time with everyone.
She made people laugh and never took herself too seriously. Remember our travels to Rome and London, always lots of laughs and humours times
Lin Zhang
In my memory, she was a happy person and had a passion of love and proudness on her husband and two sons. I still recall vividly when I visited her house in Vancouver many years ago, Andrew and she showed me the interesting photos of bears in the backyard, and her laughter and smile when talking about the life and the family. This is truly a great loss, but her love and kindness will remain in our hearts forever.
Alexis Doss
Andrew and family I am so sorry for your loss. Nancy was an amazing women. I only knew Nancy for a short time, but she made a huge impact in my life. Our chats, jokes and texts were full of humour and joy. I always looked forward to Fridays when she volunteered. She brought joy and happiness to everyone she met and made Friday’s volunteer shift a fun one . I truly will miss Nancy and am so appreciative that I got to to know her
Lewis
This was really marriage relationship in sealed in heaven. Rest in peace
Lewis Marks
This was really a marriage relationship in sealed in heaven. Rest in peace. I am very sorry for your loss.
Paul K
Andrew, pls accept our deepest sympathy for your family’s loss. Nancy exemplified true family and life principles. We keep you all in our thoughts in the days and weeks ahead. Take care of yourself. Rgds, paul & pat kolisnyk
Jim Skirda
I can’t find the words to express my sadness for the loss of Nancy. I cherish the memories of growing up with the Nicholson’s in Copper Cliff Ontario. Nancy, like her Mom , Brian and Ian had an incredible laugh that brightened the day of anyone fortunate to know her. To the Stonkus and Nicholson Families, I grieve with you and will be there for you.
Andrew Stonkus
Thanks Jim and you are so right, the laughter from Nancy,Brian and the rest of the Nicholson family was contageous and helped lift the spirits of everyone who was in their presence. I miss Nancy’s presence so much but I hear her laugh which I will carry with me forever. Thanks for your condolences.
Kim Hannaway
I read Mr.Nicholson’s obituary in the Sudbury Star and learned that Nancy had also passed away. Nancy and I were friends in high school, and ‘besties’ in grade 13, but lost touch afterwards as we went our separate ways. My sincere condolences to the family.
Andrew Stonkus
Thanks for your note of condolences Kim. Nancy loved the fact she grew up in the Copper Cliff/Lively communities where she had so many fond memories and friends. It was a special place for her. Sincerely Andrew