NANCY JANE GAJDOSIK

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

• Befittingly, as it sometimes is with the most distinctive people, I don’t even know how Nancy and I befriended. It was during my competitive marathoning days, perhaps at the finishline, or through the MB Runners Association. In the years that followed I had babies and thereby was never on the podium again, but seemingly Nancy was all the more proud. This bestowed such a sense of pride, even as my times got increasingly slow! I ran throughout the pregnancies, usually until the day of delivery. With my firstborn, Nancy smuggled us a VIP pass for the stadium such that my husband could sneak the 2 month old down to the Finishline. After a quick handoff, I successfully ran across it carrying him. She was omnipresent at that finishline and a great motivator to get there. On other occasions, Nancy proudly witnessed me pull out a breast pump at the line. She was of course there to welcome me completing the course for the all-pregnant relay team I assembled one year (Baby On Board signage attached). My most consistent running partners, however, were of canine descent, all rescue dogs, and her and I connected over this kindship with animals as well. Having married a Catholic, I admired how she displayed her strong faith. As it is said, “God works through people” She was one of those people. We also shared a medical background; at Grace hospital, where she passed and where I work, she would proudly tell the nurses of our connection, about my steadfast commitment with running through pregnancies, and of course about the resultant vigorous children. She was genuinely interested in other peoples’ realities and she was always an inherent, ardent supporter of where people were at. For us, running was also a metaphor. I don’t always run to add days to my life, but rather life to my days. Nancy added life to all of our days. - Posted by: Dr Reesa Simmonds (Friend) on: Sep 25, 2026

• Nancy and I were both friends and running partners. I am saddened that she has left us, but will always cherish our memories; especially on the roads together and the Manitoba Marathon. I would like to share this poem I wrote after one of our hardest runs together many long years ago. To Nancy, Friends forged in Fire. July 11, 2002 I have a remembrance. It stirred me I say. Recalling a windy and blustery day. We plodded along, and fought through the gale. We bitched, we cried and complained with a wail. We had, after all, each other to lift. We had over all, a wonderful gift. We had after all, the power of life. Regardless, the wind; it cut like a knife. I remember it well, as through the campus we ran, Exhorting, encouraging, that was our plan. Turning a corner through the maelstrom we rolled. A character build it was, I extolled. You'll look back on this day, I said with a laugh. While fighting the road, and catching the pack. You'll proudly look back at this day in the squall. You'll shout, "I've seen worse, much worse" that's all. Today there's another race to be run. You've won it before. Will again when you're done So challenge the storm, and spiting it's face. Shout curses it's way, then pick up the pace. The character we built that blustery day; As we faced the storm, and bitched all the way. Has built the foundation to lean upon now. And friendships back then, are stronger somehow. Allan See you soon and on that day we'll run streets of gold. - Posted by: Allan Roy Besson (friend and runing companion) on: Sep 04, 2026

• I am so sad to hear of the loss of Nancy. Nancy will forever be in my fondest of memories. We met Nancy when we attended her prenatal classes, then called Lamaze, in 1983. She was so wise, caring, and funny. I can still hear her calming and instructive voice today. She and my father, an obs/gyne, also knew one another, and they were very fond of one another. Nancy & I had reconnected several years ago upon my father's passing, and it was so wonderful to share memories. My deepest condolences to Nancy's family - she was indeed a special and unique person, who meant so much to so many. May her memory be a blessing. - Posted by: Enid Barnes (former Lamaze participant) on: Aug 30, 2026

• I remember participating in Lamaze classes in the late 1980's when I was pregnant with our first child. My initial birth plans changed, and I found Nancy to be respectful and supportive during that time. She gave me the confidence I needed, and our 2nd child was born 20 months later. My thoughts are with the family. - Posted by: Cindy Kelly (took Lamaze classes from her) on: Aug 29, 2026

• Nancy you will be so missed, you were a lovely lady, with a warm inviting smile The choir in heaven of Angels will love to add your voice and warmth to their singing Audrey - Posted by: Audrey McBride-Christle (Choir member) on: Aug 29, 2026

• Nancy and I were partners in a scenario performed countless times in the Standardized Patient program of the University of Manitoba School of Medicine for students and medical personnel. We were very often praised for our portrayal of a married couple.....a husband bringing his wife to a medical appointment to determine if she is perhaps suffering from dementia. Both Nancy and I loved performing those roles....had many enjoyable laughs and were always proud of the reception we received from the students. We did the roles so often that we started calling each other the names of the characters we portrayed. I will forever remember Nancy with much love in my heart...she was, indeed, one of a kind. - Posted by: Allan Perry (personal friend) on: Aug 29, 2026

• Nancy, along with Pat, was our Lamaze Coach and we eagerly took classes for all four of our children. Nancy's daughter and our son were born on the same November day 52 years ago, hours apart, so I feel we had a special bond right from the start! Nancy & I went on to spend time together through activities like La Leche League, Margaret's Choir (then Spirit's Call Choir), Pembina Active Living (55+), and many movies, shows, concerts, dinners, & lunches. Nancy was such a wonderful friend, always listening and giving such wise advice. I was so fortunate to have been able to spend time with her. She will be so missed! - Posted by: Linda Rzeszutek (Friend) on: Aug 29, 2026

• My condolences on your loss. Always heart breaking to lose your Mother. Nancy was one of a kind. May she rest in the peace and joy of Christ forever more. Be well, and love each other. - Posted by: Steve Lipischak (family friend) on: Aug 29, 2026

• Like thousands of others we were participants in Lamaze classes guided by Nancy in the late 70s. She was so caring and funny and informative that we couldn’t wait to get to class. The content of her classes was so great that it made bringing our children into the world a much easier and joyful experience. Thank you Nancy, Joan and Terry ( deceased) Greenlay. - Posted by: Joan Greenlay (Lamaze participant) on: Aug 29, 2026