It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that the family of Nancy Richard (Eberts) announce her peaceful passing, with her family lovingly by her side, on July 22, 2023 at the age of 87 years.
Nancy was born February 12, 1936 in Fort William, ON to parents Frank and Ena Eberts. She attended Franklin School and Selkirk High School, where she participated in many sports and met many lifelong friends. After high school, her compassionate nature led her to nursing school. However, after meeting Lorne, the love of her life at Green Bay, on the shores of Lake Superior, Nancy decided that marriage and a family would be her goal in life. They were married in 1955 and together raised six children and had eleven grandchildren. All of whom, she was extremely proud of and loved with all of her heart.
Nancy’s love of sports continued into her married life, as she enjoyed watching her children and later her grandchildren in their many sporting endeavors. She loved cheering on her family. Nancy was not only a spectator, but also very involved in many sport organizations. She was one of the founding members of the ladies auxiliary and treasurer for the Port Arthur Continental Little League. She was also on the ladies auxiliary for the West End Bearcats and could often be heard cheering proudly “Go Cats, Go!” from the bleachers. These auxiliaries raised funds to make sport more accessible to all youth. Nancy was always thinking, not only of her own children, but of others. She spent many hours tying up hockey skates at Brent Park, even to the point of sometimes getting blisters on her fingers. She also knit mittens for neighborhood children in need who would frequent their back-yard rink. She had many longtime, cherished friendships developed through sports, especially hockey. Nancy also volunteered for numerous organizations, such as the MS Society, Heart and Stroke, The Canadian Cancer Society and Magnus Theatre.
Nancy and Lorne enjoyed many wonderful vacations together. In the early years, it was mainly hockey tournaments and visiting relatives, but later they ventured to Arizona, Florida and Hawaii, but found their paradise in Barbados, which they visited for many years and made amazing memories and friends. She continued those trips with her children after Lorne’s passing in 2009. Summers were spent at Nancy’s favorite place, the family camp on Shebandowan Lake. It was always full of family and friends and so much laughter. Nothing made her happier than getting a “Campers Call” on the radio saying that they were going to get company. Five O’clock meant cocktail hour and a crib game. Nancy loved cards and enjoyed many years of playing Bridge and Canasta with her friends, many of whom she had known since childhood. Her card club friendships and lunches meant the world to her. She loved a good party with her friends or with ours. Her door was always open and she had a way of making everyone feel welcome. She had a great laugh and a beautiful smile.
Nancy is survived and missed by her children Gregg (Karen), Larry, Mark (Lori), Paul (Clemance) and Alison (David) and grandchildren Sarah (Omar), Matthew, Brennan, Ryleigh, Darcy, Jennifer, Benjamin (Georgie), Samuel, Brant and Justin and Sister-in-law Barbara Eberts, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by her parents, husband and best friend Lorne, beloved son Scott, granddaughter Rene, cherished brothers Monty, Don, Ben, and numerous in-laws.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the staff at Pioneer Ridge for their excellent care for Nancy and for their compassion to her and our family during her very peaceful passing.
A Memorial service will be held in the chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, on Thursday, August 17 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation for family and friends will begin one hour prior. For those unable to attend in person, the services will be streamed live and archived at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca where condolences may be offered as well.
If so desired, Donations to the Canadian Mental Health Association, The Canadian Cancer Society or The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada would be appreciated.
