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
Dear Jason ans Luke:
I am so saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Nancy. My deepest condolences to you both. Nancy’s sense of humour and positive outlook on life will truly be missed by all who knew her. I wish you both strength and courage through these troubling times.
So sorry for your loss, Jason. I never had the privilege of meeting Nancy but from the obituary and the FB posts I’ve seen over the years she must have been an amazing partner to you and mother to your son. ❤️
Lorraine and Barry at #5 Plaskett
Deepest condolences to Nancy’s family. Our hearts go out to you in your tragic loss.
Jason and Luke, we are so very sorry for your loss. Nancy was an incredible woman and we join in the many others who send their condolences to you and your family.
I had the great opportunity to work with Nancy for around at year at RAAC and had so many wonderful conversations. Her authenticity, humour, and warmth will be remembered in my heart for good. I know I never got to meet you both Jason and Luke but am so saddened and I am thinking of you both so much.
We had the opportunity to meet Nancy on a few occasions, and if first impressions count for anything, she captured our attention. We have known Jason for some time and he often spoke of Nancy’s work. We had not realized how well travelled and accomplished she was. She helped so many and obviously lived from a place of curiosity and service to others. Our hearts go out to Jason and Luke and the family.
So sorry for your loss.
Jason, Luke and Family:
We are so sorry for your loss and hope that you find some comfort knowing how many people care about you. RIP Nancy.
Jason and Luke, Our sincere and deepest sympathy to you both. Please know you are in our thoughts and hearts.
Pam and Mike O’Keefe
Andreas Mother.
Jason and Luke, Nancy and I first met when we both started on faculty at UVIC 20 years ago. We shared many life events including the death of our mothers in the same year, the remarriage of our fathers within a short time, returning to NP school and then teaching in the NP program at UVIC. We continued our relationship as part of the Island Nurse Practitioner community and it was in that capacity I had the privilege to connect with her at least monthly over the past six years. I appreciated her analytical mind, big picture perspective, willingness to ask questions and seek answers, as well as her frankness and ongoing curiosity.
Her passing has left an immense sadness.
Thanks for including me in Nancy’s memorial. It was a gift to hear the love and depth of friendships she developed over the years. May the stories and the warmth of the memories sustain you both.