November 11, 1955 – February 24, 2019
at the age of 63 years
A Celebration of Life is being planned for May 11, 2019, 1:00 pm at the Cedar Heights Community Association in Blind Bay on Shuswap Lake, the place most dear to her heart.
Our beloved Nancy passed away gently on February 24, 2019 surrounded by loved
ones.
She is survived by her loving husband, Brian, her children, her parents Bob and Shirley Young, and many loving friends. Nancy met and married her first husband, Lionel Hennessy, while working at the Royal Bank in Nanaimo. They were proud parents of Shannon, Deborah, Adam, Ryan and Rebecca.
Several years after Lionel’s passing in 2005, Nancy married Brian Waddington and became stepmom to Garry and Karen. She loved all her children. She was the perfect mother. She leaves 9 grandchildren whom she adored.
Nancy and Brian retired to Blind Bay on Shuswap Lake. She was captivated by the beauty of the area and the warmth of the local residents and she and Brian quickly became active participants in the community… playing golf, Pickleball, and joining Probus. Retirement afforded time to take up hobbies of interest. She discovered she
was artistically talented. A visiting art instructor was overheard saying “I don’t ever want to see you in my classroom again, Nancy. There’s nothing I could teach you, as you have a wonderful unique style – all your own”, and indeed she did. As the sister of Peter (aka Dr. Peter) she worked as a Founding Board Member of the
Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation to create the Dr. Peter Centre in Vancouver. Her illness was sudden and unexpected and progressed rapidly with no treatment options. She left us years before her time. She loved people and made many lifelong friends. As Christine, a good friend, said “Nancy was the whole package”. Those lucky enough to have known Nancy will agree. She was special.
I feel so fortunate to have known such a gentle soul. My thoughts are with you all.
We will so miss Nancy, her lovely smile, always kind and considerate and always ready to help her neighbours, friends and our community association. Our hearts go out to you Brian and all your family. We feel so fortunate to have known Nancy even for a short time.
Nancy has never been far from our thoughts here at the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation. She held fast to her brother’s wishes by taking on a vital role on our founding board, at a time when so many were hurting. Simply put, we wouldn’t be here without her, and we will cherish her for decades to come. Our entire community sends love and hugs to all of Nancy’s friends and family. Nancy will be missed by many.
~ Scott Elliott, Executive Director, Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation
Brian, Shannon, Debbie, Adam, Ryan & Nikole, Rebecca & Michael, all of the grand kids and everyone else lucky enough to call Nancy family…. I am so sorry for your loss. Nancy was such a beautiful soul and someone I looked up to most of my life. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, friend and person overall. She will be greatly missed by many and I send my love to you all.
Dear Brian , I am so sorry to hear of your wife Nancy, I am sending hugs and strength,
Brian and the whole family – Nancy always had her family close to her heart no matter where she was or what she was doing. We shared some beautiful years working closely together with good laughs every day, shared stories and sometimes tears. Nancy had a capacity to care and be thoughtful always. She was truly a remarkable woman and she will be missed so much. Thinking of you all.
I admired your mom very much. She was beautiful, strong, and smart. I was saddened and shocked to hear of her illness and passing.
Thinking of u all.
Frank & I met Nancy for the 1st time at Ryan & Nikole’s wedding in Bucerias where they met. It was obvious from the first meeting what an amazing lady, Mom, Grandma, Aunt, friend & then wife she was!! Rest In Peace, Nancy! There’s another star in the sky shining over your family.
Brian, and your beautiful family,
Nancy will be missed greatly. She was a graceful, intelligent, kind and talented woman whom I feel so grateful to have known, if only for a few years. I will never forget her sparkling eyes and radiant smile.
I hope that your cherished memories will carry you through the dark times, and lift your spirits.
Much love
So sorry to hear of your loss Brian. From the sounds of it, Nancy will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
We loved Nancy. From the time our kids entered elementary school together, she became a friend. She was warm, funny, caring and behind that angelic face, she could party! I’m sad that we didn’t get to see much of her once she moved away, but even more saddened to hear of her unexpected passing. The world has lost one of the good ones, and heaven has gained one of the best. Rest in gentle peace Nancy. Sending our love to all her family. Janet and Ross Buckland <3
I didn’t know Nancy for a long time but long enough to appreciate her lovely self and to appreciate her friendship. My favourite memory of our time together was a trek to Toronto , on a mission to set up our daughters who were starting university there. We laughed ‘til we cried. The IKEA furniture assembly was giving us trouble…”step away from the drill,Nancy!”Do you remember Rebecca? An awesome lady. So sorry she is gone.
Nancy was a gentle positive soul.Her smile and laughter were infectious. We were so lucky to have known her.
Nancy was a very precious person and I will always miss her and think of her.
Xo
May God Bless and Keep you Nancy I know that Brian was so blessed when you came into his life and you made him a very happy man. Rest in peace sweet lady Thoughts and Prayers to Brian and all the Family