Nancy Hudak, beloved wife of George Kesteven and mother to Paige Hudak-Kesteven passed away peacefully on Monday, June 10th, 2019 after a courageous third battle with cancer at the age of 52.
Nancy was born August 19, 1966 in Medicine Hat, Alberta to John and Evelyn Hudak. The youngest of four siblings, she moved with her family to Calgary in 1979. Upon graduation from St. Francis High School in 1984, she worked for two prominent Calgary law firms where she acquired valuable contract administration skills. In 1988, she commenced studies at the University of Calgary completing her B. Comm. in 1992 and following graduation began work with University Technologies Inc. (UTI) Nancy became an expert in the fields of intellectual property, patents and licensing; skills which provided a significant contribution to all of her employers.
In her late twenties, she successfully fought life-threatening cancer not once but twice, emerging with a tremendous appreciation for life and as a champion for cancer research and end of life treatment. She was insistent upon attention to detail and complete documentation and these skills served her well professionally, and as she faced her health-related challenges.
In 1997, she began work with TransCanada Turbines where she met George. Thus began a professional relationship that evolved into a wonderful romance that would last for over 20 years. In 2000, she accepted a role with Hyprotech and subsequently Genome Canada, where she remained until Paige’s joyous arrival in 2004. Nancy was a dedicated and loving spouse and mother. Her smile, infectious laughter and ability to put others at ease will be sorely missed.
Nancy was predeceased by her father John in 2006. Nancy will be lovingly remembered by her mother Evelyn, and her siblings and their spouses: Michelle and John Scott of Niagara-on-the-Lake; Bonnie and Phil Stevenson, and Mark Hudak all of Calgary. Nancy was a loving aunt to Nicole (Craig) Campbell, Jared (Courtney) Solinger, Christopher (Patsy) Scott, Lucia and Blake Stevenson, and Abagael and Isabella Hudak. She will also be missed by George’s daughters Christina Kesteven and Cathie (Scott) Bennett of Calgary, as well as George’s parents Don and Phoebe Kesteven and his siblings Leonard (Sandra), Cameron (Lori) and Darlene Kesteven (Rick McKee) and Paige’s cousins Blair, Jared, Torey, Evangeline, Derek and Bridget.
A Celebration of Nancy’s Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive in Victoria on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Hospice Society, 3rd Floor, Richmond Pavilion, 1952 Bay Street, Victoria, B.C. V8R 1J8
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
24 Responses
Dear George:
I am so very saddened to learn of the passing of your dear Nancy. Keeping warm memories of a most vibrant and wonderful woman in my mind and sending you and Paige all thoughts and condolences.
Kind wishes – Ruth Abrahamson
Dear George, Paige, Mrs Hudak and Family
I was heartbroken to hear about Nancy. We were such good friends through our university years and thereafter. I have been recalling the fun times we had at the cabin, golfing, planning dinner parties, studying, her getting me through a computer assignment. Nancy was a loyal and generous friend. Even years later she came to my rescue when I was sick. Knowing the kind of friend she was I am sure she was an incredible partner and parent leaving nothing undone and doing everything possible to ensure her family was happy. I am so very sorry for your loss. Nancy will never be forgotten and her place hard to fill. I know she will be looking down from Heaven and trying to intervene where she can to continue ensuring you are all ok. May all of your lovely, good memories of her fill your empty hearts. Hugs to You All. Love Andrea
Evelyn and Family
We are all deeply sadden with your loss of Evelyn. Our thoughts are with you during these difficult times.
Dennis, David, Lisa, Tanya and Kari
Dear George and Paige, my deepest condolences for your family’s loss. I am so grateful to have known Nancy even for a short time, she was truly a kind and special soul. God bless you all and may she Rest In Peace.
Dear George and Paige,
I was so saddened to hear of Nancy’s passing; and of your loss of a wonderful wife and mother. I do hope your love and memories of Nancy will support you at this most difficult time.
With deepest sympathies,
Lynn MacAdam
George and Paige,
I wish you peace, light, and strength during this difficult time.
Charlotte Mills
We are sad to hear of Nancy’s passing, and extend our deepest sympathy to all. She was a
lady with a beautiful smile and a generous heart who accomplished much in her short life.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your good memories give you peace.
In sympathy and love,
Dave & Joanne Thompson
To Nancy’s loving family,
I have terrific memories of you all from Redcliff. Nancy and I spend numerous hours playing together. She had a heart of gold even as a young girl. My condolences to you all for her early passing.
With a saddened heart,
Suzie (Stabler) Wright
Dear Evelyn, Shelley, Bonnie and Mark,
My deepest condolences to all of you. I have some very fond memories of Nancy as a little girl in Redcliff. Holding you in my thoughts and prayers.
Irene Dal Collo
Dear George,
I learned of your loss through our friend Margaret and am so deeply sorry. I wish I had known Nancy. What an amazing, talented and courageous person she was. Please know that you and all her family are in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy.
Diana Nicholson