Nancy Arlene Dingwall

Born on August 19, 1953, the second of five children to the late Thomas and Delma Abbass. Rarely is one person so universally loved, but Nancy was everyone’s favourite person. Nancy grew up in Sydney, attended Holy Angels High School, and upon graduation attended Queen’s University where she would become a physiotherapist. One day at the old Sydney Forum, she met the love of her life, David. She would go on to become the supportive and impactful lifemate for David as they navigated community impact and public life. Nancy cared deeply about her family and her love for her children was abundant. When they were younger, she spent endless hours at the rink, dance studio, and the backyard basketball court – cheering and supporting. As the children grew, she remained a constant source of guidance, celebration, and support, and in 2014, she became a Sitti (grandmother). She relished this role, and served it with all of her greatest qualities – compassion, counsel and love.

A quiet resolve served her in every role she took on in life, and she excelled at all she tried. She proudly worked as a physiotherapist at CBU (formerly UCCB) for 33 years, helping to rehabilitate healthy athletes and many community members. More than technical knowledge, Nancy cared for those she encountered daily, and that was genuinely felt by all who came into her presence. She was ultimately honoured in April of 2022 with the unveiling of the newly named Nancy Dingwall Centre for Health & Counseling on CBU campus.

Her greatest characteristic was her care. She cared for all she came into contact with, and her love was felt by all she touched. She was the epitome of how someone should treat other people.

She is survived by her loving husband David C. Dingwall and her three children Jennifer of Sydney, Leigh Anne (Dan Roscoe) of Halifax, and Jay (Melissa) of Toronto. She will be dearly missed by the apples of her eye, her four grandchildren, Shamus, Lucas, Amelia and Bodie. They were her heart, and they will continue her legacy of love

She is also survived by her brother Leo (Mary) Abbass, and brother Doug Abbass, all of Goose Bay, as well as sister Jane (Joe) MacKenzie and Raymond (Kim) Abbass all of Sydney. She will also be greatly missed by her many loving nieces and nephews that make up the dots and no dots of the Abbass family. She was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Delma Abbass, her sister-in-law Philomena Abbass and her great nephew Levi Abbass.

Nancy’s message to the world was crafted in song with Jill Murphy at Hospice Cape Breton and serves as her parting wish for us all.

“If you hear someone humming a tune in the halls just hum with them.

Don’t be afraid to speak what you believe to be the truth.

Do unto others as you would have them do to you and just be kind.

One small step can make a difference, just keep going, and take the moments.”

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from 12:00 until 3:00pm and from 4:00 until 7:00pm on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St, Sydney. A Funeral Service will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 1452 Kings Rd, Sydney River at 11:00am on Thursday, Dec. 15th with Fr. Conrad Edwards officiating. A reception to celebrate her life will follow at Membertou Trade and Convention Centre. Those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed on TW Curry’s facebook page.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com. In lieu of flowers the family strongly asks that donations be made to Nancy’s passion, and ultimately her final comforters, Hospice Cape Breton. Donations can be made online at https://hospicecapebreton.org/donate/.