Jillyan Mary Nagle

It is with deep, heart-felt sorrow that the family of Jillyan Mary Nagle (nee Barclay) is announcing the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, daughter and grand -- yet humble -- human being.

Born November 1934 in Victoria, "Jill" would spend every breathing moment spreading as much love and joy to those around her as one person could ever be expected to do in a lifetime. Whether playing her piano, or hosting guests at memorable gatherings in her home, she ensured everyone felt welcome and their presence valued.

The daughter of naval officer Frank Barclay (RCN) and Ellen “Nell” Barclay (nee Wood), Jill spent her childhood moving around the country as her father and his crew repeatedly transited the North Atlantic on a Corvette, tasked with keeping Second World War Allied convoys safe from marauding U-boats.

As a young adult, Jill graduated from the Registered Nursing program at Victoria's Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) in 1957 before moving to Montreal, where she met the man she would marry: Patrick Nagle.

In adult life, Jill raised two children while helping chart a new direction for nursing in the occupational-health field at BC Tel in Vancouver. The nurses she met during RJH training, and those she worked with throughout her career, stayed close to her over her lifetime.

Later in life, she enjoyed travel with companion Maurice Walford, bridge with friends, visits with family and a glass of wine. As her vision and mobility deteriorated, limiting her ability to enjoy the things she loved to do, she refused to lament her condition.

Her grace would shine brightly, positively, to the end.

She died peacefully of natural causes, in the presence of family, in Victoria in the final week of July.

Jill was predeceased by her father Frank; mother Ellen; brothers Thomas Barclay (Claudette) and Timothy Barclay (Karen); husband Patrick; and companion Maurice.

She is survived by daughter Margaret Ann Nagle; son Brendan Nagle and his family; and countless cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

All who basked in Jill’s warmth are today dealing with the cold reality that we will never hear her cheerful, reassuring voice again. To have heard it at all is a blessing.

Her joie de vivre -- and basic human decency -- cannot be overstated.

It is the end of an ethos. She will be missed more than words can convey.

The family would like to thank the dedicated public-healthcare professionals at Island Health -- both the home-care group and at RJH -- for their commitment to ensuring Jill had the best care possible in the final chapter of her life. We would also like to thank Dr. Ted Rosenberg and members of his team for their thoughtful and comforting care of our Jilly.

A celebration of Jill’s life for family and close friends is being planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jill’s name to the Victoria Hospital Foundation, or any charity of the donor’s choice, is welcomed.