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
I am deeply saddened to heard this news. Nancy was an exceptional person, faculty and NP.
My condolences to family and friends.
I’m not sure what to say in the face of such a difficult loss. We just wanted you to know that we care about you and Luke and share in your sadness.
With deepest sympathy.
Noreen and Glen
I am so shocked and saddened about this news. I knew Nancy when she was a student at UVic and then worked with her on a research project and as a Senior Instructor at UVic before she carried on to her NP. She was pure joy to be around and to work with. She has indeed left her footprints in so many places in nursing. I was working with her when she married you Jason and when she had you Luke and she was so happy! She loved you both deeply! My sincere condolences and please know many of us are thinking of Nancy with wonderful memories and feeling very, very sad.
My deepest condolences to family and friends. Nancy did great work, and touched so many people’s lives in a positive way. She will be missed.
Jason and Luke, My heart & prayers go out to you at this time. Nancy was a wonderful, impactful, wise, patient, caring, fun & funny person!. She will be deeply missed .
Love you you both.
Our deepest condolences to your family. Nancy was a member of our organizing committee a few years ago for our medical conferences and was a regular attendee at our events. Nancy was always friendly and kind and when on our committee had thoughtful and insightful feedback on topics. Nancy was registered for our next conference in November. I have just processed a full refund of her registration fee. Again our deepest sympathy on your sudden and unexpected loss.
Regards
Cindy Lundy and Wayne Ghesquiere at Nova Clinical Services Inc.
I worked with Nancy over the past 6 years and will miss her gentle smile, dedication to her patients and growing her knowledge to care for them, collaboration, and professionalism. Nancy was someone who truly cared for some of the most vulnerable and challenged people in our community, and through her caring, made their lives a little easier. Sincere condolences to her family, friends, co-workers and patients who will miss her greatly.
Paddled with Nancy many years ago on a Dragonboat team. I’m so sorry to learn of her loss and the loss to Jason and Luke. My condolences.
Dear Jason and Luke,
Like everyone else, we are shocked and saddened by Nancy’s untimely passing. She stood up for her ideals and has left her footprints all over the nursing/NP world, as a student, a teacher, a preceptor, and a practitioner. Yet she had a great sense of humour and we’ve shared many belly laughs together.
Luke, please know that you have been her world from when you were the size of a pea.
We are so sorry for your loss, and wish you healing.
Devastating news. Thinking of all of Nancy’s family, friends, and colleagues at this very difficult time. Rest in peace, Nancy. Thank you for all your service to the community.