Nancy Marie Chiasson Phillips

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Nancy Marie Phillips. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Nancy was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Nancy was born in Sacred Heart Hospital in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia. She was the daughter of Eddie Joe and Elizabeth Anne. Nancy was raised in Cheticamp. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Nancy was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Nancy's personality throughout her life.

Though Nancy was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Nancy was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. Nancy was raised with five siblings. She had two older brothers, Charlie and Bernie and three older sisters, Theresa, Cecile and Nettie. Nancy and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

 As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Nancy was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Nancy was always tactful. As a young girl, Nancy had a number of interests and was an active child. Nancy took part in bowling.

For Nancy, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Nancy was also adept at details. Nancy was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was math.

College can be a challenge, but Nancy appeared to be well equipped to succeed. She had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around her. Nancy had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Nancy enjoyed using the skills she'd already learned and applying them to new courses. She knew the facts and rarely made factual errors. She earned her business administration and bookkeeping diploma from Business College. Her favorite courses were accounting.

Nancy savoured the simple things in life and especially loved to have a good laugh with family and friends. She was outgoing and could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Nancy was such a popular person throughout her life. But Nancy was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Nancy was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Nancy was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Nancy was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Nancy was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Nancy made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up she had many good friends like Donelda, Georgena, Germaine. Later in life, she became friends with many people from throughout the community and Ladies Auxiliary like Linda, Dianne, Helena and others.

Nancy was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Nancy cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On July 6, 1973, Gordon married Marie Nancy Chiasson at Calvin United Church in Margaree Harbour, Nova Scotia. Compassionate and devoted, Nancy worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Nancy and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Nancy was blessed with three boys, Dwayne, David and Ward. They were also blessed with two granddaughters, Alicia and Haylee. Nancy was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Nancy was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Nancy would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Nancy, and she expected the same from those around her. Nancy was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Nancy was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Nancy handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was bookkeeping and accounting. She was employed for nearly 20 years with Levi LeBlanc Ltd and later with the Harbour Authority. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Nancy enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pass times included knitting, bowling, baking, word puzzles like the crytoquote, jig saw puzzles, berry picking and bingo on occasion.

Nancy was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. She was appreciated and respected. She could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about her own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that she was active and highly valued by those in her community. Throughout her life, Nancy was an active member with many volunteer organizations such as the Credit Union, Fireman's Ladies Auxiliary, Calvin United Church, Lydia Women's Group, Beavers and Cubs and the Belle Cote Community Centre.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Nancy well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member Calvin United Church for 40 years. During that time, she was served as an Elder. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

A generous and compassionate woman, Nancy accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Nancy was recognized and given awards for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. She was recognized for her academic achievements and volunteer work along with many bowling trophies.

Nancy enjoyed traveling and sightseeing. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included trips to Halifax or out West to visit Dave, Agnes and the girls. She especially loved their trips to the Magdalen Islands and to Newfoundland with Donald and Violet.

Nancy was a lover of animals and cherished her pets especially her two big yellow cats Garfield and Snookums. She also loved Kitty, grand-kitties; Tux and Saffy and grand-puppies; Rocky, Jaxon and Max.

Nancy passed away on August 11, 2013 peacefully at home in Belle Cote. Nancy fought a short, but brave and courageous battle against cancer. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Gordon; her boys, Dwayne (Ny), David (Agnes) and Ward (Mark); grand-daughters, Alicia and Haylee; her sisters, Theresa (Joe), Cecile and Nettie (Simon). Services were held at Calvin United Church, Margaree Harbour. Nancy was laid to rest at Whale Cove Cemetery.

Nancy was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Nancy was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Nancy Marie Phillips.

* * * * * * * * * *

Marie “Nancy” Phillips (Chiasson), age 65, of Belle Cote, passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side. Born in Cheticamp on December 8 she was the daughter of late Eddie Joe and Elizabeth Ann Chiasson (Deveau).

She leaves behind her beloved husband of 40 years, Gordon, and sons Dwayne (Ny) Halifax, David (Agnes) Edmonton, Ward (Mark) Halifax, granddaughters Alicia and Haylee and special friend of the family Barbara of Honolulu. Also surviving are sisters, Theresa (Joseph Arthur) AuCoin, Cecile and Nettie (Simon) LeBlanc, all of Cheticamp as well as nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers, Charlie and Bernie.

While her time with us was cut short due to illness, Nancy lived a very full life. She attended business college and became trained in business administration and bookkeeping. Her career began with the Royal Bank and Credit Union and then she spent nearly 20 years at Levi LeBlanc Ltd in East Margaree while also handling the books for Gordon’s business. When Levi’s closed she picked up work here and there until finally running the lobster pound in Belle Cote for the Harbour Authority. She truly enjoyed those summer days cooking up seafood for visitors from all over the world while sharing stories with them about the local area.

She was an elder of Calvin United Church in Margaree Harbour. Over the years she generously gave of her time volunteering with community organizations such as the Credit Union Board, Ladies Auxiliary, Calvin United Lydia Group, Belle Cote Community Centre, Beavers and Cubs and the list goes on. She especially enjoyed Belle Cote Days and was always there to lend a hand and make sure every penny was accounted for and secured away to support the centre and the community.

Nancy loved the simple things in life like spending time with family and friends around the kitchen table, sharing a good laugh, getting hugs and kisses from her grandkids, a snuggle with Kitty and grand-puppies Jaxon and Maximus or savouring a beautiful sunset. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter; she loved the holidays as long as her boys and their families were home for holiday dinner with Mom and Dad. She rarely spent an idle moment and enjoyed many pass times such as bowling, knitting, berry picking, cross word puzzles, Monday night TV bingo with Diane, and jig saw puzzles – the more pieces, the better.

Nancy always looked on the bright side of life. In recent years, her positive outlook would be tested, but with a smile she showed tremendous strength and courage while facing significant health challenges. We are inspired by her amazing spirit and blessed to have been part of her life.

A very special and heart felt thank you to Drs. Suzie Egar and Bruce Colwell, the outstanding Palliative/Continuing Care Nurses and Doctors, Home Care Workers as well as thoughtful extended family, friends and neighbours who helped us through this difficult time.

Donations may be made to the Central Inverness Palliative Care Society or Calvin United Church.

Visitation to be held 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, August 13 and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, August 14 at the Belle Cote Community Centre. Funeral service will take place 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 15 at Calvin United Church, Margaree Harbour. Norma Mills, DLM. Burial to follow at the Whale Cove Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.invernessfuneralhome.com

The angels sang Amazing Grace.

The Lord came down and touched her face,

Held her hand and whispered low,

Come with me it's time to go.

The gates of heaven opened wide

and the angels lined up side by side.

A special gift was on its way,

the day God took her away.

Thank You

Published in the Inverness Oran

The family of the late Nancy Phillips, Belle Cote, would like to express our sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the kindness and support we have been so fortunate to receive over the last few months. As we faced the most difficult time of our lives; so many family members, friends and neighbours showed us tremendous compassion and caring to help us through her illness and in the days and weeks following her passing.

We are forever grateful for the outstanding care Mom received from Drs. Susie Egar and John Ritter, the Palliative and Continuing Care Nurses and Homecare Workers that made it possible for her to remain in the comfort of home. Throughout Mom’s illness we constantly felt the support of the community; to all the friends and neighbours who took the time to call, visit and drop by with food and care packages, your thoughtfulness has meant so much.

We’d like to also thank everyone who attended the visitation and funeral to pay their respects and share wonderful memories; it was so nice to hear how special Mom was to so many. A special thank you to Norma Mills, DLM for helping put together a beautiful and meaningful service to honor Mom. To Dieter Thelen, Don Crouse and the church choir; thank you for the wonderful music that filled Calvin United Church along with the sweet summer breeze. Thank you to Father Doug MacDonald for taking part in the service and thank you to the pallbearers, honorary pallbearers, readers, those who shared memories during the service and to family and friends who came from near and far. You all helped make the service a very special and touching celebration of Mom’s life. As well, thank you to everyone who helped with the lovely reception that followed at the community centre.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who sent such beautiful flowers to help brighten the days. Thank you for the many generous donations made in memory of Mom, the hundreds of cards, mass cards, prayers and words of sympathy; each kind word and gesture means so much. Thank you to Kevin and Annette of the Inverness Funeral home for their true professionalism and compassion during a difficult time.

Mom was truly devoted to her family, community and church; we are so proud of her amazing strength and courage and to know what a positive impact she made on so many people. We will always cherish the wonderful memories. You are all in our thoughts and prayers; thank you and God Bless.