Winona Agnes Crapp

Dearly beloved wife of the late Earl Ross Crapp, Nona leaves behind her children Richard (Marion), Harold (Carol), Phyllis, Rosemary (Gordon) and grandchildren Arielle, Jessica and Jake. Among those mourning her loss, Nona will be deeply missed by her siblings Florence Facendi, Janet Daniels, Angus McKay and sister-in-law Lynda Crapp as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Nona is predeceased by siblings Alice, Neil, Douglas and Donald McKay.

Nona was born in Peterborough, Ontario daughter of her late parents Donald McKay and Janet Morris. She was raised in Bridgenorth where she attended public school, then high school at PCVS Peterborough and Albert College in Belleville. Post education she worked in Peterborough at the Rock Haven Restaurant, Sargent Hardware and General Electric. On 13 May 1961 she married Earl and spent the first 9 years raising children at RR#4 Peterborough. Seeking farm life, Nona’s family lived on two farms. The first was a broiler poultry business in Cavan and the second was Highland and Dexter cattle in Keene. She was particularly proud of being a founding member of the Canadian Dexter Cattle Association and sharing knowledge while visiting farms throughout Canada, Australia and Great Britain. After many years of farming and looking forward to retirement, Earl and Nona sold their farm in Keene and started RV life. Sadly this period of sharing travel and experiences together was relatively short due to Earl’s passing on 20 July 2007. Dealing with sadness and the new reality of becoming a widow after 46 years was a difficult time for Nona. Displaying determination and courage she continued on with her solo RV life learning to operate her big truck and trailer as she often said “with a little help from Earl and the Lord above”. After several years she decided to accept an offer for an apartment at the Otonabee Court in Keene which ended RV living.

Nona’s outgoing personality and curiosity lead to a wide range of hobbies and interests. Over her lifetime she played piano, raced stockcars, owned riding horses, had a woodworking shop, painted folk art, drove motorcycles, showed Irish Setters as a Canadian Kennel Club member and raised Siamese cats. Their Keene Hobby Farm included a variety of animals; such as goats, rabbits, donkeys, chickens and even a peacock at one time.

Nona’s wanderlust and interest in tracing McKay family roots naturally lead to Scotland adventures. Her most recent vacation of a lifetime took place September 2022 accompanied by her niece Jane Torrance. They had an amazing 3 week action packed itinerary of sight seeing and visiting relatives; all the while creating wonderful memories that she cherished.

Nona made many lifelong friends over the years. Her closest were Phyllis Chard and Lydia Doornbos. Phyllis was a childhood friend from Bridgenorth who actually grew up in the McKay family home. Lydia and Nona shared a love for Folkart painting, gardening and weekly bingos in Keene.

Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to our Aunt Janet, Saint Elizabeth Palliative Care Nursing and Dr. Sonya Martin who’s unwavering support during Mom’s final days in her home will always be deeply appreciated. Their guidance, kindness and care were truly a comfort for Mom and all of us.

In keeping with Nona’s wishes no visitation or funeral service will be held. Cremation has taken place and her inscription will join Earl’s on their memorial boulder located on the McKay plot in the Bridgenorth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The War Amps and the PRHC. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.AshburnhamFuneral.ca