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
Tears were shed at the Monk family home today when we saw the obituary. Nancy combined being effective with being fun and funny and kind when we worked together at the Central Middle School Band Parents Association. What a devastating loss.
How beautiful that Nancy continues to help others by making a critical difference in their lives and health. Love and deep condolences to all of the family
My condolences to Nancy’s family and friends. We were so glad to have her as part of the Victoria Street Nursing collaborative. Her passion and care for the vulnerable was an example for all of us.
Nancy was a lovely soul and helped me immensely. She took me into her practice when there was nowhere else for me to “fit”. She was always upbeat and willing to listen to my issues. I will miss her greatly. My condolences on your loss.
I send my heartfelt condolences to Nancy’s family and dear friends. I have been thinking of her and family all week, I will remember her with a smile.
She was great to work with on Pandora ACT, and I was delighted she stayed with ACT after her temp with us. Thank you Nancy!
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Nancy’s passing. As a colleague in the past few years, I will miss her warm smile, enthusiasm and energy. A true gem! My condolences to Jason and Luke.
Nancy was our two door down the street neighbor in Port Moody (Westmount Drive) growing up – she would watch me at times and I idolized her. Later in life we met up again only to discover we had both become nurses. She was always very kind, humble and fun to be with. She has left a mark in nursing – but mostly in our hearts. My sincere condolences to you . . . I am so sorry to learn about her sudden passing. She inspired me at all levels, ages and stages.
I met Nancy in graduate school. She was so fun, progressive and smart as a whip. She looked part rebel and with a bit of fairy thrown in. Nancy inspired folks to be themselves and flourish.
It was always such a pleasure to run into Nancy who always had a kind smile and something nice to say. Hard to accept such a random and sudden loss of one so vibrant. A huge loss to the community. Thinking of her family, may you find peace.
Gerry and I were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of our beautiful and vibrant neighbour. Nancy lit up the neighbourhood as I suspect she did everywhere she went. We offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Jason and Luke. Know that your neighbours are always here whenever you need us.