NANCY van (OUD) HEUSDEN

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NANCY van (OUD) HEUSDEN Mrs. Nancy van (oud) Heusden (nee Haapa) (Nana) a resident of 563 North Court St., Thunder Bay, ON, left this world to be with the angels on June 18, 2000, at the age of 63. Nana chose to stay in her home surrounded by her family while battling cancer. Her home was filled with love, laughter and music from the many people whose lives have been enriched by the friendship she gave. Nancy has joined her mother, Eini Haapa (1944) and sister Helen Haapa (1997). Her legacy and love of life will be carried on through the lives of her children and grandchildren, son Hugh (Judy), Laina and Janis Geary, Christopher Wach, Winnipeg, MB; daughter Suzyn Geary, Vancouver, BC; son Peter (Alyson), Aidan, Steven and Sean Geary, Jennifer Penner, Winnipeg, MB; son Mike (Deb) Geary, Winnipeg, MB; daughter Linda (David) Natalie and Michael Jurcik; daughter Jackie (Robert) Spencer and Raili Jaklitch; daughter Andrea (Robert) Duran, Sante Fe, NM; dear friend Airi Mastomaki. Nancy leaves many friends and family dear to her heart in BC, Schreiber, Finland, Europe, USA and throughout Canada. Nancys aunts, Elma Haapa and Viena McLellan will dearly miss her visits. Nancy was born in Schreiber, ON in 1937 where she resided until 1967, then moving to Northern Manitoba and later to Winnipeg. In 1978 she moved to Thunder Bay. Nancy made friends everywhere she went. She would frequently bring home to dinner, guests whom she had just met by chance that afternoon. Some of these chance meetings have evolved info lifelong friendships. The same friendships developed with people her children would bring home. If you brought a friend into Moms house, you would soon find yourself with a newly adopted brother or sister, many of whom felt the same love and feel the same loss as her children. In 1980 Nancy began work at Dawson Court as Food Services Supervisor. She gave her heart to her job making a home for the many residents, and later opened Pioneer Ridge with the flair she gave to everything. In 1996, she was confirmed at Lappe Lutheran Church where she has been a devoted member. Nancy travelled extensively to Europe, Finland and the USA with her dear friend Airi. She loved to camp at Max Lake, forming the Max Lake Hunters Association, and always making sure a delicious meal was ready for all. Nancy was the driving force behind the LSPC Christmas Fest. She also actively helped organize and publish the Chefs Manuscript. Nancys past four month battle with cancer was made easier by the constant support of St. Elizabeth Health Care, Com Care and especially Doctors Bennett and Dahliwal, as well as the many friends who gave unconditional support and encouragement. Nancy will be remembered as the one who always made beautiful things happen and come to life. Her love will carry on in the hearts of all whose lives have been enriched by knowing her. A Celebration of Nancys Life will be held on Thursday, June 22 at 11:00 a.m. in Lappe Lutheran Church, Thunder Bay, officiated by Rev. W. Lawrence Maunula and Rev. Louis Natzke. Interment will follow at Lappe Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland St., Thunder Bay. If friends so desire, donations in Nancys memory to the Lappe Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Thunder Bay, would be gratefully appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 21, 2000