On August 28th, 2020, Nancy Wright passed away very suddenly from a cerebral aneurysm. Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. She is survived by her loving husband Jason Easton, son Luke Easton, sister Sharon Butler, nephews Adam Butler and Evan Walker, and stepmother Stella Wright. Predeceased by her mother Betty Wright (nee Readman) in 2004 and her father Robert Norman Wright (Lanky Bob) in 2016.
Nancy was born on October 2, 1964, at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, BC. She grew up in Port Moody, BC, attending Seaview Elementary, Port Moody Junior and Port Moody Senior schools. She was a keen member of her school band and played alto sax, a talent she passed on to her son. Despite all of her world travels, she maintained strong ties to Port Moody and never missed a high-school reunion.
Nancy completed her Diploma in Nursing at Vancouver General Hospital in 1987, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Nursing degrees at University of Victoria in 1999 and 2002 respectively, and her Nurse Practitioner designation at University of Northern British Columbia in 2008. Nancy was a devoted Registered Nurse, College and University Instructor and Nurse Practitioner, always striving to advance social justice, fighting the good fight in her life and through her work.
Nancy loved to travel, was passionate about music, and was an arbiter of taste. Beneath her signature shock of flame-coloured hair and pierced nose, she was a truly modern alternative lady, who managed to infuse joy, art and music into everyone’s life. She travelled the world working as a nurse in places ranging from Saudi Arabia to the Yukon. She backpacked through Europe, Central America, Southeast Asia, Egypt and Kenya. With her travel partner, life partner, and eventually husband Jason, she trekked in Nepal and India, and presented her Master’s thesis in South Korea. After Luke came along, the family explored her Viking heritage in Norway, and travelled around Canada, the USA, the UK, and Europe. Along the way she collected a huge swath of friends, with whom she kept in regular touch.
Nancy rested on life support in the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, for 24 hours until the family could say goodbye. The BC Transplant team was able to find matches for her pancreas, lungs, liver and kidney. In this way, Nancy is still helping others. Due to COVID-19, a private memorial service will be held.
Nancy’s family has decided to create an award in Nancy’s name in the School of Nursing, at University of Victoria. Donations are welcome. Kindly mail cheques made out to “University of Victoria” with “Nancy Wright Nursing Award” in the memo line.
Send to: Development Officer; Human and Social Development, University of Victoria, P.O. Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, or donate on line at https://extrweb.uvic.ca/giveonline.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
75 Responses
Jason and Luke, my deepest condolences to you and the family on Nancy’s passing. The volume of messages shared here by so many people who cared about Nancy is a testament to the impact she made in this world. I wish you both strength through her memories and god rest her soul.
I am so sorry to hear of Nancy’s sudden passing. I did my PhD later in my career and through challenging times, Nancy was so genuine, kind and helpful to me. We worked well together as teachers. I loved her red hair and sun shiny smile. She was so well thought of by all. And so dedicated to family life and her work as a nurse and NP. Blessings to her family.
I met Nancy in Elementary School at Seaview and went all the way through to graduation. She was a tremendously generous and upbeat person. I always enjoyed catching up with her at the Reunions. Nothing but fond memories. Am shocked to hear of her passing.
I was introduced to Nancy by a relative. Even though we have never met in person and only exchanged conversations via text messages, I already felt Nancy’s warmth and kindness. I was shocked to hear the news! My deepest condolences to Nancy’s family members, friends and loved ones. Rest in peace, Nancy.
How tragic to find out the loss of Nancy. My heart and thoughts are with Jason and his family during this extremely difficult time.