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NANCY ANN GROFF (CHIPMAN)  Obituary pic

NANCY ANN GROFF (CHIPMAN)

Date of Passing: Apr 06, 2015

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NANCY ANN GROFF (CHIPMAN) May 16, 1954 - April 6, 2015 On a beautiful, sunny spring morning, Nancy passed peacefully at home, where she wished to be, surrounded by her loving family. Nancy is survived by her beloved husband, Jeoffrey Chipman, who was her soulmate and dearest friend, and cherished by her three daughters, Stephanie, Kathleen and Melinda, and Jeoff's children, Christopher and Johanna. She will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her sisters, Judy Owen, Gerry Wilson (John Wilson), Susan Groff, the Chipman and Appleby families, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and dear friends. Nancy was predeceased by her parents, Douglas and Florence Groff. Born in Winnipeg, Nancy split her adventure-filled childhood between her family's home in River Heights and their cottage at Lake of the Woods. Her passion for life was contagious. Whether skiing, boating at Lake of the Woods and Longboat Key, or sharing cycling trips with Jeoff, her bright smile and energy was always present. Nancy proudly graduated from the University of Manitoba with her Education Degree in 1977. She was a member of the university gymnastics team, and an overall athlete. Nancy took great pleasure in teaching her young students over many years in Winnipeg, only taking time out to raise her number one priority, her daughters. Nancy truly shone when surrounded by her family and friends. Many memories were made at family dance parties on Longboat Key. She had an incredible ability to deeply connect with everyone who crossed her path. Nancy will be sadly missed and forever remembered with love. Nancy's family would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank CancerCare Manitoba, her doctors, nurses and the WRHA Palliative Care team for their dedication and compassion. On Friday, April 10 at 6:00 p.m., a Celebration of Life will be held at the Qualico Family Centre at the Assiniboine Park Conservancy for family, friends and those touched by Nancy's undying spirit. In lieu of flowers, donations to CancerCare Manitoba are greatly appreciated.
Publish Date: Apr 8, 2015

NANCY ANN GROFF (CHIPMAN) It is with great sadness that we announce Nancy's passing on Monday, April 6, 2015. Nancy passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family. Longer remembrance to follow.
Publish Date: Apr 7, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 08, 2015

Condolences & Memories (29 entries)

  • I'm so sorry to learn of Nancy's passing. As my brother Paul has written, Nancy was a close friend of my sister's, but I always felt happy to be near such a shining light. She was witty, generous, celebratory and wise. My deepest condolences to all of you. - Posted by: Margaret Sweatman (Friend) on: Apr 16, 2015

  • I have fond memories of hanging out with Nancy along with Neil Robinson and Max Steinkoff on Oxford Street in Winnipeg. Nancy and I were next door neighbors and went on to date in grades 9-10 (with all due respect to Jeoffrey, I remember cuddling up close in her basement to watch the late suspense film on many a Saturday. Nancy was fun, active, energetic, and full of good humour. She was quite the gymnast and skater. Those recreational pursuits built a whole range of relationships outside of the 'hood. Perhaps because she was so full of life, Douglas and Florence placed in Sacred Heart in hopes that an all girls school would settle her down. Think again. Nancy just developed a whole new set of friends. Regretfully, I did not keep in contact after high school but was disappointed not to see Nancy at the 100th Kelvin High School reunion (although she graduated elsewhere). The world is a lesser place without her. Condolences to her family. - Posted by: Stephen Vallentyne (Ex-boyfriend & next-door neighbor) on: Apr 15, 2015

  • Nancy was one of the true River Heights "group", always an inspiring smile and kind word for all of us. Basketball at the Vallentyne's always included some unsolicited coaching from Nancy, as Steve. Peter and I would attempt to improve shots accordingly. She was a good friend and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers to your family. - Posted by: Jane(Isaac) &Craig Mackie (Friends) on: Apr 13, 2015

  • I was so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. I have wonderful memories of her upbeat personality, fabulous smile and great times together at both Lake of the Woods, and Winnipeg. RIP - Posted by: Kt Riley (friend) on: Apr 10, 2015

  • We were so sorry to hear about the loss of Nancy. A beautiful woman who always had such a beautiful smile and a kind gentle heart...our thoughts and prayers go to you all at this time. Take care of yourselves as Nancy would want. - Posted by: Ginny and kerry dennehy (Friend ) on: Apr 10, 2015

  • My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this difficult time. I will remember Nancy's smile, laughter and her free spirit! Nancy will always be with you and will be watching and smiling down on you. Rest in Peace! - Posted by: Melody Terin (Classmate SHC) on: Apr 10, 2015

  • Growing up there were my brother and I, and the 4 "Groff Girls" - spending holidays and lake visits together through our childhoods - and she had that sparkle in her eyes even then. From the beginning of Nancy's diagnosis she and her family captured as much joy and loving and living as could be fit into their days. She was not only a teacher in the classroom but, in her final years, a teacher/guide for those who witnessed the graceful choices she made. Thank you Nancy. Namaste - (cousin) Maralie - Posted by: Maralie Martin (Cousin) on: Apr 09, 2015

  • Sorry to hear this. I worked with Sue at MTC and Rainbow Stage and went to church with Marg Groff. - Posted by: Charles Crossin (Friend of the family ) on: Apr 09, 2015

  • Nancy Groff, or as I knew her Mrs. Groff, was very loving towards her students. She was a compastionate teacher, she brought a smile to everyone's face. I remember that every Friday she gave all her students sour soothers. I always gave mine to my friends as I do not like candy. She was an amazing teacher and thank you so much for bringing joy to everyone that was part of her life. - Posted by: Dylan Thompson (Student from RH Smith School) on: Apr 09, 2015

  • Jeoff, Sincerest condolences to you and all of your family at this difficult time. May she rest in peace. - Posted by: David Galbraith (Friend) on: Apr 09, 2015

  • Jeff and I send these words of comfort and wish we could be in Winnipeg to offer more support. Even Nancy's resilient spirit could not win this fight. Our thoughts are with you Jeoff and the kids. Nancy will be missed by many. - Posted by: Susan and Jeff Quinton (friends) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • We were deeply saddened to hear of Nancy's passing. Our thoughts are with Jeoff and Family, she will be missed. - Posted by: Bruce & Ginny Thompson (Friends) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • I am so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. She was always my little sister's buddy and so always seemed like a kid to me. I lost contact over these last few years but remember her fondly and wish Jeoff and the kids the very best. She was a fine person. - Posted by: Paul Sweatman (friend) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • On behalf of all our employees at CADA, I wish to extend our most sincere condolences to the entire Chipman family for the loss of this most loved and cherished family member. It is clear from the obituary dedicated to Nancy that she was a vibrant, energetic and inspiring individual who touched countless individuals throughout her lifetime. We will pray that her family and friends find comfort in knowing that she was loved by many. - Posted by: Richard Gauthier, Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (Friend and business associate of Mr. Stephen Chipman) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • I am sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. She was a great colleague to have at Robert H. Smith School. She always had a kind smile and was willing to lend a hand with projects. Her students adored her, as did the staff. - Posted by: Tina Hellmuth (co-worker) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • Jeoff and Family, We extend our condolences at this difficult time. Nancy's smile always brightened my day when I had to he chance to see and greet her. Out thoughts will be with you. We hope time and loving memories swiftly heal the pain and leave in its place the warm caress of her love. Harv and Trish - Posted by: Harvey and Trish Downes (Family Friends) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • My deepest condolences to the family. Maree asked me to say goodbye to her little cousin, she will be here in Spirit if not in person. Love to all of you. JCIIYK - Posted by: Aunt Lola () on: Apr 08, 2015

  • Our deepest condolences Jeff to you and your daughters on Nancy's passing. Please know that you are in our prayers. - Posted by: Tom and Donna Bryk () on: Apr 08, 2015

  • We are so sorry for your loss. Nancy is an amazing person and we will always remember her with love. We share your sorrow. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Alixe and Jim Komenda (Friends) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • Our sincere condolences to Jeoff and all of Nancy's family and friends. So many connections with sport in Manitoba and the Hall of Fame in particular, we will miss you Nancy. Truly a lady in all respects. - Posted by: Rick Brownlee (MB Sports Hall of Fame) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • Nancy taught both my daughter and son at Robert H Smith. Her impact on them both was profound and set the ground work for the remainder of their education. She was a truly gifted educator who had the ability to make her students feel successful and important. Nancy was one of those rare people that made everyone who crossed her path feel that she was genuinely interested in them! She will be so missed and never forgotten in my family. It is with a heavy heart we say goodbye to Ms Groff. - Posted by: Dayna Sigurdson Kinsman (friend / mother of former student) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • I was deeply saddened to hear of Nancy's passing. My sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones. - Posted by: Amy McDonald (former coworker) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • My condolences to the family. I have great memories of Nancy and what a great mom she was from growing up out at LOTW. The past few years everytime I ran into Nancy and Jeff she was always smiling and took time to catch up. Scotty Johnson - Posted by: Scotty Johnson (friend) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • Our deepest condolences to Jeff, Stephanie, Kathleen and Melinda. I will treasure the memories that I have of working next door to her at RHS. Her cheerfulness, great smile and wonderful sense of humour were things that I looked forward to every day. We had a lot of fun working together. She was a wonderful friend and teacher. Sorry that we are unable to attend her celebration of life but our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Gail and Marty Johannesson (Co-Worker and Friend) on: Apr 08, 2015

  • Ron and I sat with Nancy and Jeff at Steph's graduation for her MD. We celebrated our daughters' accomplishments as proud parents together. But also, as the evening went on, we found Nancy's warmth and glow helped make our visit to Winnipeg so very memorable. And we appreciate her connection and support to our daughter. Steph, I know you will miss your mom. Ron and I send our condolences. - Posted by: Liz and Ron DeVries (Through Steph) on: Apr 07, 2015

  • So sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. She was a wonderful teacher and a free spirit. My sincere condolences to her family. - Posted by: Chris Milloy (Worked together) on: Apr 07, 2015

  • I am very saddened to learn of Nancy's passing. This has been a very long and difficult journey. My heartfelt condolences are extended to her family, dear friends and loved ones, at this sad time. I have fond memories of Lake of the Woods, RH Cardinals, Sacred Heart and driving fast in her Blue Corvair! - Posted by: Pattie McLean (Old Friend) on: Apr 07, 2015

  • Our sincere condolences to you at this very difficult time, our thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Elaine & Patrick LaMonica (Friends) on: Apr 07, 2015

  • We are much saddened to learn of Nancy's passing. The Groff, Hutchison, Bowles families have been linked by friendship, sand box castles, picnics, lake doings and next door neighbourship for more than 75 years. Frances remembers the joy Nancy's arrival brought her parents, Florence and Doug, and Penny remembers Nancy, and her sisters, at joint family picnics while Sheldon remembers Nancy's smile and boundless energy playing on the dock in Devil's Gap, or whipping down Oxford on her bicycle. She inherited her father's energy and love of life and her mother's warmth and charm. A winning combination. Our lives are much enriched by having had Nancy as part of the Groff family in years gone by and we extend our sympathy to her loved ones at this sad time. - Posted by: Frances, Penny and Sheldon Bowles (Friends ) on: Apr 07, 2015

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