Nancy Ruptash

July 30, 1939 – July 18, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Nancy (Nettie) Ruptash on Friday, July 18, 2025, just shy of her 86th birthday. She died peacefully after a short period of declining health.

Nancy was born in Lac Ste. Anne County, Alberta, shortly after her family immigrated to Canada. In May 1939, her parents, Dorothy and Peter Lewoniuk, then expecting Nancy, and her older brothers Mike and Bill emigrated from a region that was then Poland but is now part of present-day Ukraine. They traveled from Gdynia aboard the M.S. Pilsudski to Halifax, then journeyed west by train to their new farmstead in Lac Ste. Anne County. Nancy grew up on that farm alongside her older brothers Mike and Bill and her younger brother, Alex. The Lewoniuk farmstead remains in the family today.

In August 1960, Nancy married Edward Ruptash of Hairy Hill, Alberta. Both came from Ukrainian families who homesteaded farms in Alberta, a legacy of hard work and cultural pride they carried with them throughout their lives. They made their home in Edmonton, where they raised two sons, Howard and Mark. Nancy was a proud homemaker and mother, devoted to raising their children and caring for their home. She later worked at a bank before joining the City of Edmonton, where she remained until her retirement in 1998. Edward worked for the City of Edmonton until his retirement and was an avid musician who passed his love of music on to their sons. He also had a lifelong passion for hockey, a love that continues through his grandson William. After Edward’s passing in 1999, Nancy continued to live independently until her health declined in late 2024.

Nancy’s greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren, Libby and William. She was a devoted and loving grandmother who, during the summers when the children were little, took them on the city bus to swimming lessons, packed snacks, and made each day special. She rarely missed a school concert, sporting event, or dance recital. She cheered proudly at every hockey game she could attend for William, and enthusiastically supported Libby’s dance, soccer, and basketball activities. Her constant presence, encouragement, and love were a foundation in their lives.

Nancy enjoyed cooking and caring for her family. Her perogies, kutya, potato pancakes, devilled eggs, and banana muffins were beloved family favorites. She had a quiet strength and a deep devotion for those she held dear.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband Edward, her parents Peter and Dorothy, her brothers Mike and Bill, her sister-in-law Evelyn, and her granddaughter, baby Frances.

She is survived by her sons, Howard (Colleen) and Mark (Marlene); her beloved grandchildren, Libby and William; and her brother Alex. She will be fondly remembered by extended members of the Lewoniuk and Ruptash families, as well as many friends and neighbors whose lives she touched.

We will miss her dearly. May she rest in peace.

As per Nancy’s wishes, a private immediate family funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation in her memory.

With love,

Howard, Colleen, Libby, William, (Frances)

Mark, Marlene