The first time that I met Nancy is a vivid memory for me. I was 18 and it was the summer of 1974. Dad had been away from Toronto for a while, working in Ottawa, training to be an auditor for the federal government. He was very lonely when he was first there, but after a while there was a marked change in his mood. He mentioned a lovely woman he’d met. Not long after that, one evening I was down at the Edelweiss Beer Gardens at Ontario Place in Toronto with a group of friends. Unexpectedly and coincidentally, in walked Dad, and with him, a very attractive woman. He introduced us. Her name was Nancy and she’d come up from Ottawa to spend the weekend in Toronto -- this was the woman who Dad had talked about. I instantly liked her. She was engaging, warm and I felt instantly relaxed and comfortable with her. She was fun, with an easy laughter and sparkling eyes, a playful sense of humour, and most noticeable, she was kind. Dad seemed very happy.

Nancy would become an important part of our lives, and Nancy and her children became the central part of Dad’s life. We were so happy for him, and for both of them, as they both seemed genuinely in love. In those last 10 years of Dad’s life he seemed happier than I’d ever remembered.  

One hears stories about difficult stepmothers, but for Linda and I, nothing could be farther from the truth. Nancy was not only our stepmother, but was a trusted friend, a confidante, a supportive shoulder to lean on, a sane and practical voice of reason, and she was a kind and loving Nana to our children. Nancy’s door was always open, as was her heart, and her spirit of generosity in all ways was an inspiration. She took Linda and I, and our families, into her heart as though we were her own ― her heart was big enough for us all. I feel so blessed that I had the great fortune to have shared my life with her. I will miss her deeply.  


Nancy and I had the rare experience of love at first sight and then spent 47 more years together through all of life's ups and downs. Like school girls we exchanged story after story and shared our intimate feelings about life. She loved our dad deeply and we became a real family. Her early years exposed her to the fragility of our journey here together. All of us who have known her well, have benefitted from her genuineness and love of this world even though she’s experienced many sorrows throughout. She’s a person who allows us to be ourselves. All of us can only imagine the warmth she has spread and it reminds us of how simple this can be. We will carry her in our hearts for the rest of our days together. 
Thank you, all of you, for including me in your world with her.  

Nana,

You were loving, sweet and kind.
You were fun-loving too.
 
I remember us getting KFC take-out.
When I was a kid, my parents would never get KFC.
Having it together with you felt like such wicked forbidden fun!

I don’t remember each Christmas and birthday present you got me, 
But I remember feeling excited each time one arrived. 
It touched my heart how you never forgot.

I remember walking with you in Botanical Gardens. 
I don’t remember what we talked about,
But I remember your soft heart and the way you took an interest in my life.

I remember when Mom and I had dinner with you at a Thai restaurant.
You took the bus all the way across town to see us. 

You were such a sweet kind woman. 
You always signed my cards XOXO Nana.
You won my heart long ago.
I love you. 
I’ll miss you.

XOXO David

Thinking of Auntie Nancy has me drifting drift back to very precious memories from my youth when we (Mom - Ruth, Dad- Pete, Bruce and I) and Aunt Nancy, Jeff, Sherri, Wes and Laura Lee were so closely intertwined as families living in the same complex in Sandy Hill for so many years; all the day to day adventures, the Christmas' and other special occasions spent together. Rest in Peace Auntie Nancy, we wish we could be there with everyone

Nancy was one of the most decent, generous and genuinely cheerful people I have ever known.  I feel enriched for having known her and am greatly saddened by her passing.  My heartfelt thoughts go with her and her family.

We have had the pleasure of knowing Nancy (Grand-ma) for many years, I say Grand-ma because that is what I always here in my head, many holidays, birthdays where I would hear her Grand Children say "hello Grand-ma", and even those that were close to her grandchildren called her Grand-ma.  Nancy was always around for special occasions to celebrate her family, and never too busy to give people her time.  

My fondest memories are of her dancing at New Years, and her smile, she had the loveliest of smiles, may you rest in love and peace with your true Love, and wishing you God Speed, you were a force of nature for who you were and all you did and will be truly missed.  I will miss Christmas time with you.

Sending much love to our family and while we cannot be there with you our hearts are always with you.  

Glory-Anne, Michael and Emma



We were blessed to share Christmas with Nancy and her lovely family. Condolences to all the family. You Are all very blessed to have all the wonderful memories of your mom , grandma.   Stay strong at this very troubling time. Love to all
Norm and Jeannie Bellaire❤️

Auntie Nancy was one of the most glamorous and classy women one could ever meet! I remember the pleasure of watching her dance at weddings and parties... such style and effortlessness. 
Growing up she would always make room for us to stay when we came to Toronto, opening her arms and her heart when you walked through the door. 
When I had my own children she came from Toronto to Ottawa by bus to meet them. 
When I was three years old my mother and auntie Ruth and Auntie Nancy took me to get my ears pierced ( it is maybe my earliest memory) at the Ottawa exhibition of all places. When I was scared and was changing my mind ( but of course crying because I wanted it done) she picked me up off the floor and plopped me in the chair and said in a matter of fact way " no one ever died from a little hole in their body". She told me she had a hole in her heart and was okay and it was way bigger. When it was all done she bought me a package of those mini donuts covered in powdered sugar...with the hole in the middle! 
May she be enjoying the enormous crowd of loved ones she's joined. 

My sisters, Nancy, Ruth and I were very close and shared a lot of fun and adventurous times. Going to the Ottawa Ex where they blackmailed me to ride the ferris wheel. Scared to death they offered me gifts far beyond what they could give. On receiving her first paycheck as an operator for Bell , she treated us to dinner at the Diamond Bar-B-Q, our Mother's favourite Restaurant. Always the fashion plate, she would spend hours each night designing ladies fashions and pencilling on any piece of paper she could lay claim to. Nancy was the one who made sure we went to church every Sunday. I was convinced she wanted company to carry her lessons as a Sunday School Teacher. She was dedicated to spreading the word. I will miss her dimpled cheeks, her flamboyant style and her wisdom. Rest in piece and have a happy reunion with your Family, friends and relations. Little brother...Stephen

We will remember - and miss - Nancy's energy, warmth and positive attitude!

I have nothing but the happiest of memories of Nancy.  She was always very supportive and understanding of my psychological issues over the years and she brought smiles and laughter at times when I really needed them.  She is missed but my fond memories will remain with me.
Love to all.

P.S.
Attached a photo of the big day.

OBITUARY

Nancy Joyce Campbell

May 26, 1938 – April 25, 2020

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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