Winifred Nancy Stevenson

Honouring the life of (Winifred) Nancy Stevenson, a dedicated teacher, enthusiastic world traveler, faithful worshipper, avid theatre-goer and beloved family member, who passed away on Monday September 20th, in her 85th year at Bethany Lodge in Markham.

Nancy was born at home, in Toronto. She was the first child of Sam and Lizzie, who both had deep ties to County Armagh, Northern Ireland, but met and married in Canada. She was a big sister to Jimmy, who came along a few years later.

Graduating from teachers’ college when she was just 19, Nancy taught for 34 years at Parkside Elementary School, in East York. Early in her career, Nancy participated in a teaching exchange, where she lived and taught in Belfast, Northern Ireland. During her exchange, she had the honour of taking afternoon tea with the Queen Mum.

Nancy later furthered her education, completing her degree at McMaster University. She traveled between Scarborough and Hamilton in her VW Bug during summer breaks, taking classes with a number of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ players!

Wise with her money, Nancy purchased her first home in 1965 – on her own and in cash! She invited her parents to spend their retirement years with her and, later, opened her home to her nieces while they studied in Toronto.

An avid traveler during school breaks and after retirement, there are very few countries that Nancy hadn’t visited. She travelled extensively with friends, later combining new experiences with new knowledge through trips organized by Elderhostel and the ‘Retired Teachers of Ontario.’ She visited the polar bears in northern Manitoba, toured China before it was common, travelled throughout Russia, took a world-wide cruise and even visited the Galapagos Islands.

From Scarborough community theatre programs to the big flashy Mirvish productions downtown, Nancy enjoyed all live theatre -- often preceded by dinner out with friends.

She was also a long-time, devoted member of Danforth Gospel Hall, running children’s Friday night craft classes and bible study for many years as well as teaching Sunday school.

A graveside service, with family, will take place at Pine Hills Cemetery. Nancy was predeceased by her parents, Samuel (Sam) and Eliza Jane (Lizzie) Stevenson. She leaves: her brother, Jim, and sister-in-law Yvonne, who cared for her with dignity in her final years; her cousins Violet Murdoch and Bill Lavery; her nieces Jennifer, Sharon (Rob) and Carol (Jarrett) and her grand-nephews Declan and Callum.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.jerrettfuneralhome.com for the Stevenson family.