Nancy passed away peacefully in hospital after a short illness on March 24, 2021 in Victoria BC. Born on August 27, 1921 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England, Nan was the loving daughter of George and Myra (Gledhill) Chester and sister of Geoffrey Davidson Chester of Reigate, England (predeceased).
Beloved wife of John (Jack) Cameron Archibald, FCA of Saskatoon and St. Brieux, Saskatchewan (predeceased); cherished mother of Margaret Ann Amoroso (Roger) of Ottawa and William (Bill) Bruce Archibald (Kay Norton), Coquitlam and devoted and loving “Nana” of Geoffrey Norton Archibald and Robert (Rob) Cameron Archibald of Vancouver.
Nan will be deeply missed and warmly remembered by her English cousins including Peter and Jenny Davey and their extended family, Angela King and Hilary Levitt as well as by her many friends in Victoria (including “second daughter” Kathleen Campbell); Vancouver, Saskatoon, Ottawa, England and New Zealand.
Nan will be remembered for her love for and pride in her family, her indomitable spirit and sense of purpose, her generosity, good humour and zest for life. Nan, an architect’s assistant, joined the W.A.A.F in May 1939. Flt/Sgt Chester was “Mentioned in Despatches” on January 1, 1943. She met Jack, an RCAF Squadron Leader, in 1942 over a pint at the Black Swan pub in Stratford-upon-Avon. They were married in September 1943.
As a Canadian War Bride, Nan and her daughter arrived in Canada at Pier 21 nearly 75 years ago aboard the Queen Mary and travelled by train to Saskatoon. There she spent 40 wonderful years on the prairies creating a home for her family and pursuing her many interests and hobbies. In 1985 after Jack’s death, Nan moved to Victoria to be closer to Bill and his family and spent 35 happy years enjoying life to the fullest.
Always active in her community, Nan served as the first president of the Saskatoon YWCA Overseas Wives Club (1946) and was a member of both the Saskatchewan and Canadian War Brides Associations. In the 1960’s Nan served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saskatoon YWCA and was a founding organizer of the YWCA’s Opportunity Shop.
A knowledgeable gardener, Nan had a true “green thumb” which she applied to the beautiful English gardens she created in both Saskatoon and Victoria. She was also a skilled seamstress and knitter, adventurous cook, wine maker and consummate hostess. Nan played golf, enjoyed curling and was a loyal fan of the Saskatchewan Rough Riders. She loved fishing with Jack in Northern Saskatchewan lakes. She and Jack enjoyed many outdoor weekends in their cozy trailer at Redberry Lake during their 20 years as active members of the Saskatoon Sailing Club where they delighted in the camaraderie of its members many of whom became life-long friends.
As a member of the Saskatoon and the Victoria Camera Clubs, she honed her talents as an award-winning nature photographer. Her interest in family history led to a trip to New Zealand to meet newly discovered cousins with shared roots in England.
She loved to travel, making return visits to family and friends in England, exploring Canada and the USA by car with Jack and, among other adventures, touring China by train in the 1990s and visiting the magical Haida Gwaii and the Ninstints. Dogs and cats were special companions to Nan throughout her life whether they were hers, her neighbours’ or her Amoroso grand’kits.
The family offers a heartfelt thank you to the management, staff and friends at Berwick House Seniors’ Residence who provided Nancy with such kindness, friendship and attentive care over the last four years. A special thank you also to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, including the Seniors Outpatient Clinic, for their excellent medical care in recent years.
A Celebration of Nan’s Life will be held later this summer in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens in accordance with Covid guidelines.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to The BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Victoria Humane Society or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com.
24 Responses
Bill, Kay Our condolences on the passing of Bill’s mom. She had a remarkable life. Treasure your memories.
Chuck and Darla
Dear Marg, Bill and family, please accept my sincerest condolences. I was saddened to learn of your Mum’s passing. Having read this fascinating obituary, it must give you comfort, however, in knowing how much life Nan packed into her near-century of life. I’m certain she will enliven Heaven and perhaps plant some flowers there as well as have a wine and cheese party with my Auntie Mary.
With warmest regards,
Stéphane
Oh, Nan! What a force she was. She ran circles around those half her age. Nan was an avid photographer and amazing storyteller. Whenever she came to see Margaret and Roger in Ottawa, we would have a visit–usually over a meal. She was like the Energizer bunny, chatting throughout dinner. She had a lot of material to draw from: her travels, her photography, her War Brides get-togethers, her family. The list goes on. And we treasured the delight she caused whenever her visits were timed to take in a Sunday afternoon whisky tasting at an Ottawa pub. Peter and I were lucky to have known her. I must say, however, that I was disappointed that she decided to leave us before her 100th birthday. We were so looking forward to celebrating with her. Heartfelt condolences to Marg, Roger, Bill, Nancy and all her relatives and friends.
Sincere condolences to the family of Nan Archibald . Nan was always a gracious host to the many events held at her Saskatoon home related to Jack’s work. Her good humour was contagious. On many occasions these events were held outside in her wonderful yard – wonderful despite the attempt of her dog to burn up most of her lawn.
My condolences on the passing of your mother, Bill. I have fond memories of her.
Margaret and family, So very sorry to hear of your loss. As you know we met at the Victoria War Brides and families reunion here in Victoria. Finding out that the 4 of us were all on the Queen Mary coming to Canada was truly fate! It was a real story of how she and the rest of the War Brides endured that voyage from England to the vast land of Canada. I hope that you and your family will cherish those memories. She will be greatly missed by all! So fondly missed.
Being part of the British contingent I met Nan a few times whilst in Victoria and I loved her instantly. What a great lady- her stories and her great interests while in the UK just added to good conversations. Marg you are so like her, that’s why I love you too. Condolences and love to all who will miss her.
Oh, Bill, what a force of nature – strong, independent, intelligent, multi-faceted, full to the brim of life – was your mother, Nan. Although it is sorrowful to see important people in our lives pass, we are so glad that you and Marg could be with your mother at her very end. And through her later years you, Marg, Kay and your sons were a devoted family, visiting her and spending time with her frequently.
Our deepest sympathy, Elaine and Michael
A well deserved, heartfelt and impressive tribute to an extraordinary and delightful friend.
My most heartfelt condolences. Our moms were real besties. I remember her kindness and English spirit.
God Bless.