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.
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75 Responses
I was so deeply sorry to hear of Nancy’s sudden passing – it’s tough to get your brain around that she’s no longer with us. My deepest condolences to Jason and Luke and to all her family and friends who are mourning her loss.
Jason and Luke, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, I can’t begin to imagine your shock and pain. All that I can offer as consolation at this time is the thought that she lived her life to the absolute fullest and left you with memories of her at her very best. Stay strong and true as she would have wanted.
I did not know Nancy personally, but know Jason through the paddling community. Jason always spoke of the inspiration that Nancy gave to him. My thoughts go out to you and your family at this time. Hugs!
I am a patient of Nancy and she was more than a doctor to me , she had helped me tremendously in my recovery, from a bunion corrector surgery to my mental health. She was my nurse , my doctor, my friend , my therapist and a wonderful human being. I am so sorry for her sudden passing . My thought and sincere condolences to her family.
I always admired the way Nancy’s presence in a room was always a sunny one. She was a supportive, encouraging colleague and friend to all the NPs on the Island. So very sorry for your tragic loss.
Dear Jason and Luke,
Thank you for sharing such an informative obituary and meaningful tributes from Nancy’s loving flock of family and friends. As you guys are amongst the newest members in the Strata, the ultimate depth and brilliance of your beloved Nancy was yet to be understood by us at #6.
Despite the relatively short time we have been neighbours, Nancy’s friendly manner and engagement skills were clearly evident. You could tell she was a community builder. Nancy seemed inclined to walk into the street to join spontaneous neighbourly conversations. And no matter the wind chill Jason, you and Nancy were cheerful regulars at the strata’s weekly, therapeutic COVID 19 street cocktail parties.
Please accept our sincere condolences. We hope you both are comforted with family memories from your new chapter on this rocky point. We hope you guys are further comforted by the everchanging seas and winds, and by the huge skies with views to the heavens.
Terribly sad news. My deepest condolences.
Nancy was a truly lovely human being.
Dear Jason, Luke and family – John and I send our most profound condolences for the loss of Nancy. We send our virtual love and support during this most difficult time. Anytime you need a shoulder, please give us a call. I’ve been there and I understand how hard it is to lose your spouse. Take care.
I did not know Nancy Wright, but have been good friends with her husband Jason for years.
I will be sending a cheque to the University for the Nancy Wright Nursing Award
We were very sorry to hear that Nancy has left you so suddenly. Our prayers are with you and your son Jason. May you be surrounded with God’s peace and love at this sad time. Nik and Pauline