Nancy Margaret Groundwater

Nancy was born in the Scottish border town of Hawick. When she was young, her family moved North to the small community of Stromness, Orkney, as her Father Robert was hired as the town’s Banker. She lived through WWII, and was given a gas mask for her sixth birthday. At school, her class practiced air raid drills. They did not have much during those years, but her parents and the community rallied to support the influx of British military with first aid facilities, soup kitchens and camaraderie.

Like many Orcadians, Nancy loved the arts, and she was an accomplished singer and piano player. She sang competitively at various music festivals. At school she enjoyed playing field hockey.

After graduating from high school, Nancy completed her nursing and midwifery training, and worked at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Through a mutual friend, she met the love of her life Christian Groundwater. He was a Steam Engineer with the Merchant Navy and was away at sea for months at a time. They planned their wedding for January 21, 1959 (her birthday), when he was on leave from the ship.

Chris and Nancy chose to immigrate from Scotland to Canada in 1960 for new opportunities. They were young and adventurous, and arrived via Winnipeg with little possessions or money. They missed their families, but worked hard to build a life together in Canada.

In Calgary, Nancy nursed at the Colonel Belcher hospital. They moved to Carstairs where Chris worked for Home Oil, then moved to Pincher Creek in the early 1960’s when Chris was hired by Shell Canada to assist with the construction and maintenance of the Shell Waterton Complex. Nancy worked at St. Vincent’s Hospital (now the Lebel Mansion) and later as a Home Care Nurse. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels and as a Commissioner for Girl Guides of Canada. They spent 25 years in Pincher Creek and met many lifelong friends.

Family meant the most, and when their children Ruth and Brian came along, she chose to stay home to raise them. Once her children were older, she worked part-time at the Associate Clinic.

In 1985, Chris was transferred to Shell Canada’s head office, and the family made the move to Calgary. Nancy was very social and enjoyed family gatherings, hosting guests at their home, playing cards with the ladies, and walking the mall with friends before the stores opened. She was known for her lovingly prepared Scottish Shortbread that she gifted to loved ones at Christmas.

The family enjoyed many summers at their cabin at Kootenay Lake, BC. When Chris and Nancy sold the cabin, they purchased a boat that was kept on Vancouver Island. In their retirement years they spent six months each year cruising around the Gulf Islands, and also enjoyed travelling to Britain and France to visit family.

Nancy was pre-deceased by her loving husband Chris Groundwater, parents Robert and Elsie Linklater, Brother Theo Linklater, and Sister-in-Law Lee Linklater. Nancy is survived by her children Ruth Smith (Brent), Brian Groundwater (Cheryl) and grandchildren Stacia, Jocelyn, Lucie, and Elliot.

Sincere thanks to Dr. Angela MacArthur and the staff at AgeCare Midnapore - Sundance Unit, for their unwavering care, kindness and respect shown to our Mother.

A private family memorial will be held to celebrate Nancy’s life.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.

Messages of remembrance may be left for the family at: www.southcalgaryfuneralcentre.ca.