Mrs. Nancy Rollanda Marie Downie

On Saturday morning, December 3, in her beloved Casa Downie, Nancy completed the final chapter of her life’s adventures. Now resting peacefully, she is survived by her sons, John (Gaynor), Jamie (Carol), and daughter, Anne (Dan) Porteous, and grandchildren Nicole, Danielle, Jesse and Ben. She is pre-deceased by her parents and her husband, Ken. Nancy Macdonald (“with a small ‘d’ as she liked to clearly express”) was born in Richmond Hill, Ontario, north of Toronto. Her father was a veterinarian and due to his employment opportunities, Nancy, as a young child, lived in various locations throughout Eastern Canada. When her father became ill, they moved to Winnipeg. He passed away at fifty-two years of age when she was seven years old, and her mother, while working full time, raised her.

Upon graduation Nancy studied nursing at the Winnipeg General Hospital and became a registered nurse in 1946, traveling and working in several locations including the United States before moving with her mother to Vancouver, BC in 1948. While living with her mother in Point Grey Nancy began playing tennis at the Jericho Tennis Club. At an early age she showed a keen interest in the game, and at eight years of age Nancy was already honing her skills. She became an avid player over the years and played the game with proficiency. Her sons recall Nancy always defeating their friends. Jamie particularly remembers the flat top spin, bullet of a serve his mother had developed and used to her advantage in victories over himself, and her loving husband, Ken. Nancy loved the game and played in to her early 90’s, most of which was played at the Hollyburn Country Club. She had met Ken, “the love of my life”, in a doubles match in 1953, at the Jericho Tennis Club. They married on June 12, 1954.

Years later Ken wrote, “A match that lasted a lifetime”. They built a home on the lower slopes of Grouse Mtn, North Vancouver, moving in on Dec 31, 1956. Their custom designed post and beam home was one of the first in the new neighborhood; the back yard being an idyllic park-like setting adjacent to Mosquito Creek. This setting provided a perfect environment in which to raise their children and the numerous family dogs. With Ken working as a Civil Engineer, Nancy resigned her nursing position to become a fulltime mother, maintaining the family home throughout their lifetime.

Nancy also enjoyed many years of travel adventures with Ken including fond memories of family trips to Europe and Mexico. Nancy and Ken shared a passion for the peoples and cultures of Mexico, Latin America and South America. They learned Spanish, conversing with the locals during their visits. On one adventure they spent time in Guatemala, living with a local family while taking a Spanish course. Along with their enthusiasm for tennis, Nancy and Ken pursued many other activities including, cycling, skiing, swimming, and boat cruises. Her youngest and only daughter, Anne, lovingly remembers her mother as extremely supportive regarding the variety of competitive and recreational activities she was encouraged to pursue. Nancy involved herself in Anne’s activities including the sewing of multiple uniforms and hats for synchronized swimming, and cheerleading at many of Anne’s competitive events including Ironman races and Skaha Lake marathon swims.

Another of Nancy’s favorite pastimes was reading books; she was a word fanatic, focusing on her daily morning ritual of completing crosswords. She was also proud of the beautiful gardens she created and tended with her husband. One of Nancy’s passions was socializing with family and friends while sipping red wine for dinner and in front of the fire. Her son John built a Fraser 41’ sailboat, Summer Solstice. During the nine-year process Nancy supported him by hosting many dinners and social engagements at Casa Downie. John fondly remembers one Christmas dinner that was especially wonderful for everyone involved, including other boat builders he became acquainted with, close friends and family. The door was always open and Nancy’s and Ken’s warm and welcoming manner was very well received and appreciated by everyone who passed through it.

Ken passed away at Casa Downie in 2008, at 82 years of age. Nancy wished to do the same. Her wish came true mid way through her 99th year with family at her side. Here’s to tipping a glass of red, “to Nancy” - she is dearly missed. The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the Vancouver Coastal/Health North Shore Palliative Care Program team for their invaluable support, and a special thank-you to Frida and Marie, our caregiving family who provided so much support and care for Nancy for the last few years.

A Celebration of Life will be held in 2023, a date and time TBA. In lieu of flowers, donations to a local SPCA would be greatly appreciated or a charity of your choice.