NANCY VILLENEUVE (HOLDEN)

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NANCY VILLENEUVE (nee HOLDEN) Nancy Villeneuve passed away following emergency heart surgery in Albuquerque, NM, on June 28, 2002. She is survived by her loving husband John, daughter Lynda Smercina (Geoff) of Dallas, TX, son Michael Villeneuve (Kelly, Laura) of Santa Ana, CA; sisters, Pam LeBoldus and Shirley McMillan of Winnipeg and their families; cousin Doris Saunders of Winnipeg; sister-in-law Madeleine St. Germaine and family of Cornwall, ON; brother-in-law Ralph Villeneuve of Montreal and good friend of many years Alanna Helston of Calgary. After attending Kelvin High School, Nancy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Manitoba in 1955. She was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and continued her association with this organization throughout her life. While at university, she discovered an interest in creative writing working on the Manitoban. This led to employment with the Winnipeg Free Press and radio station CJOB. In 1959 she moved to a sister radio station in Montreal and was later an Account Executive with McKim Advertising. It was in Montreal that she met and married John Villeneuve. John and Nancy emigrated with their two children to California in 1968. Nancy was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at an early age and with great determination always overcame the limitations of her disease. John and Nancy travelled world-wide and their sense of adventure led them together on extended trips and cruises. During the last number of years they enjoyed exploring the United States and Canada in their motor coach. Nancy and John lived in California, Connecticut and Florida following Johns career as a chemical engineer. After retirement they lived in Nevada and for the last year in Arizona. Family and friends will remember Nancy for her positive spirit, tremendous sense of humour and love for her family. A memorial service will be held in Dallas in July. Memorial donations may be made to The American Diabetes Association; Memorial and Honour Program, P.O. Box 2680 North Canton, OH, 44720 or 1-800-Diabetes or a charity of choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 30, 2002