Obituary of Nancy Lea Whitmore

May 6, 1954 – Springhill, Nova Scotia

August 29, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Nancy Lea Whitmore's journey with Alzheimer's ended on Aug. 29, 2023. Born in Spring Hill, Nova Scotia May 6, 1954, she later moved to Montreal with her Mom, Dad, sisters, and brother. At nineteen, she joined Air Canada and was soon off to explore the world. She met Ian, and the two shared 42 wonderful years of marriage. They raised two strong and sensitive boys, Warren and Jeff, also known as her “Pookie Bears.” They were a strong family unit who traveled the world together. Barbados, Australia, Fiji, Shanghai, Mexico, and the United States were just a few of the places they explored together. Nancy always jumped at any opportunity to introduce herself and her family to travelers she had met regardless of language barrier. She loved her family more than anything in the world.

Nancy was a little spark plug, she lit up the room. She would often encourage the groups she was camping with to sing together around the fire as her cousin Donnie would play the guitar. Her laugh was unmistakable and could be heard throughout the campground all through the night. Nancy was an amazing mother to her boys, making sure they always had food in their bellies, and a cheerleader at their baseball games. She cheered louder than anyone. Most children would have been embarrassed of their parents cheering and hollering that loud but not Warren and Jeff. Nancy was a legend at those games, and everyone loved her for it. She also was a mom to all her boys’ friends. Teenagers can be very difficult but there was always a bed or a couch and a warm meal for any of her sons' friends if they needed. Nancy was the COOL MOM. She cared for everyone who was under her roof, and everyone loved her for that.

In retirement, Nancy kept busy with travel, her dogs and some of her favorite hobbies. She spent her life on the ski slopes alongside her husband and sons, as she was an amazing skier. In later years, her ski seasons switched to yearly visits to Maui, avoiding the harsh Calgary winter. TOUGH Double Black Diamond ski runs and a meal by the fireplace were soon replaced by daily beach strolls and a glass of wine on the lanai.

Nancy passed away surrounded by her family. Although the later years were challenging, she always loved family dinners. Nothing made her happier than her dogs and her family. She would still laugh at Jeff’s jokes, compliment Warren on how handsome he was, tell Ian how much she loved him, and laugh and smile watching her grand daughters Scarlett, Aisha, and Avery play together.

Throughout her battle with Alzheimer’s there was tremendous support from family and friends, Alberta Health Services, Calgary Dementia Society and Bethany Riverview.

A special thanks has to be made to her sisters, Liz and Sandra, as well as caregiving and support received from Michelle, Patsy, Renee, Alan & Wayne.

Nancy Lea Whitmore was a beloved wife, an adored mother, a caring sister, and all around pleasant and wonderful person.

Nancy, may you Rest in Peace.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Courtyard by Marriot Calgary Airport (2500 48 Ave. NE, Calgary, AB), on Friday, September 15, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In living memory of Nancy Lea Whitmore, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.