Nancy Dey

NANCY CHRISTINE DEY – After a very long struggle against many challenges, our sister Nancy died on Sunday, December 3, 2023, in Toronto. Brothers Peter (Phyllis) and Bill (Stephanie) and sister Wendy (Steven) will miss her terribly. To a large extent, Nancy gave focus to the Dey family, bringing it together on all special occasions. Up to the age of 75, Nancy had as much spirit and showed as much interest in the world around her as she did when she was much younger and in better health. Nancy never lost her wonderful sense of humour, her fascination with people, politics, sports - and the weather. She loved the great outdoors, the birds and wildlife in Algonquin Park. Her memory was sharp and she especially remembered - in detail - the love and excellent care she received in the early part of her life in Ottawa from her Mother and Father, Jessie and Jardine Dey.

Nancy so much enjoyed seeing and talking to her nephew Matthew (Lisa) and nieces Sarah (Alex), Claudia (Don), Anouk (Cameron), Jessica, Perri (Corey) and Olivia. And certainly, in recent years, her attention was captured by grandnephews - Henry and Luke, Dove and Austin, Rhett and Briggs, North - and grandniece Neve.

The Dey family would like to pay very special tribute to Nancy’s chief advocate and closest friend, Julie Ugwu, who helped look after Nancy’s well being for the last 25+ years. Thank you, Julie, for going way beyond the call of duty for such a long time, and bringing so much joy into Nancy’s life.

We would also like to thank her wonderful caretakers – Dr. Albert Wong and Dr. Sidney Smart, nurses Edna and Janet, PSWs Cecille, Kobi and Elaine, as well as Barbara, Millie, Braden, and all others on Wellesley Central Place 4-West. There were many who held a special place in Nancy’s life, including, Janet, Claudia (Margaret), Mary Deanne and David.

Nancy was pretty successful at fighting off the many health issues which afflicted her in recent years. She showed her “stuff” during the pandemic, despite loneliness during the isolation of “lockdowns”. But family visits soon brought back her excitement and knowledge of daily news - she never missed a good political story and always voted in elections on all three levels of government.

A small reception to celebrate Nancy’s life will be held at Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home, 467 Sherbourne St, Toronto, on Monday, December 18, 11am - 2pm, 2023. A private family goodbye will take place at a later date in Pakenham, ON, where her Mother and Father are buried.

If you wish, a donation in Nancy’s name to one of the following would be appreciated:

- Rekai Centres, Rekai Charitable Foundation https://www.canadahelps.org/en/

- Community Living Toronto Community Living Toronto | Supporting rights and choices for people with an intellectual disability ( http://cltoronto.ca/ )