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NANCY GAIL MAYER (SMITH)
Born: Jul 02, 1956
Date of Passing: Feb 15, 2020
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
NANCY GAIL MAYER
(SMITH)
July 2, 1956 - February 15, 2020
Left to cherish her memory are her mum Joan Smith, brother Brian Smith, special sister-in-law Sandy Smith and cousin Heather Shaw (Randy), sisters-in-law, Ingrid Vickers and Rosemary Prokipchuk (Doug). Her special friend Audrey Schreyer (Vaughan) shared an unbreakable bond that lasted her lifetime.
Nancy was predeceased by her father Walter Smith and in-laws, Dave Vickers, Hermine and Philipp Mayer. She is also survived by brothers, Douglas (Margaret), David (Liz) and Lloyd (Bev); as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Nancy loved life. She loved her home, garden, the river, watching wildlife, dogs, all sports, all the arts.
Nancy cherished the lasting friendships made while working, first at the Manitoba Museum then the Winnipeg Art Gallery shop, Holt Renfrew and back to managing the Gallery shop until her retirement. She treasured her staff, her volunteers, her ongoing dinner and movie group. Nancy enjoyed spending time with good company, sharing food and making memories. She made an impact on everyone she met.
Nancy was a traveller. Four trips to Greece (her favourite), a splendid trip to Egypt, Germany, the Danube river cruise, many trips to New York and Mexico, road trips to Ottawa, Grand Canyon, Chicago, William's Lake, and Newfoundland. In spite of her health over the last 10 years, she continued to do the things she loved, even planning a trip to Italy this fall.
We want to thank Dr. Altman, the team of doctors and nurses at both St. Boniface Hospital and Health Sciences Centre for their care and support when she most needed it.
To honour Nancy's wishes there is no service. Cremation has taken place and her ashes are to be scattered in Greece. She did want us to have a celebration of her life later in the summer.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or to CancerCare Manitoba in her name. Make a donation to
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2020
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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I only knew Nancy as a customer. I had been with the company for 30 years and remember a few that have impacted my life. Although I only knew her as a customer, her smile lit up the room. She was always smiling and pleasant. She had a great energy and aura about her. I will miss her smile! Condolences to her husband Ernest and family. - Posted by: Janet (Friend ) on: Nov 08, 2020
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I met both Nancy and Ernie in the early 1990's and as Ernie became the Photographer of my miniature art works, both Nancy and Ernie became very good friends over the years. Nancy's wonderful hospitality and Ernie's amazing Eggs Benedict are cherished memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Sincerest condolences, Darryl Audette - Posted by: Darryl Audette (Friend) on: Mar 26, 2020
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Nancy and Ernie have been my neighbours for 30 years. Their unique relationship was a joy to watch. Over the years, they divided chores and daily routines very seamlessly and predictably. If it's 5pm, they will be sitting on their balcony, drinking Scotch or some of Ernie's barely potable wine, chatting away and looking over their flower and kitchen gardens to the river. What do they have to talk about after spending the whole day together?? I would ask myself. They became friends with my grandson Curtis, and Curtis said: When I am older, I will sit on a lawn chair, drink wine and marry Nancy, just like Ernie. Her closeness with her brother and his wife, Brian and Sandy, was very close and I often thought the two couples should move into a side-by-side duplex. My condolences to them as well as to Ernie. She has left a hole that cannot be filled. During her various bouts with illness, he remained cheerful and always looked like a million, even if she was cutting roses for the dining table. No wonder she was featured in many of the WAG's advertising photos. ( Of course, Ernie was the WAG photographer. LOL). Even during the more difficult times of her illness, they followed their yearly routines of vacations, large and small and other rituals. Many times we were at parallel tasks in our gardens, although she was a much faster and more thorough worker. Like Frank Lloyd Wright and Robert Morris, her philosophy seemed to be to make herself and everything around her as beautiful as possible. And she succeeded. As spring comes, I will miss the daily sightings and conversations and sharing of the first flowers in the garden. Nancy, you are missed by so very many, and especially, Ernie, Brian and Sandy. Life is changed, not ended. Godspeed my friend. June and Curtis - Posted by: June Slobodian (friend and neighbour) on: Mar 26, 2020