NANCY SUZANNE PERRIN (MCKAY)

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NANCY SUZANNE PERRIN (nee MCKAY) Nancy Perrin passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 11, at the age of 88. She is survived by her children John (Judith) of Winnipeg, Suzanne of Vancouver, and Marshall (Nancy Irving) of Ottawa; grandchildren Sarah (Adam Mathieson) of United Kingdom, John and Kathleen of Winnipeg and Emily of Ottawa; great-grandson Jordan Perrin-Gordon of Ottawa, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother and father; brother Donald McKay, and sisters Elizabeth (Hinks/McNish) and Eleanor (Emmett). Nancy was born on July 7, 1925 at Grace Hospital in St. James, the youngest of four children of Brice and Nan (Crothers) McKay. She was raised in Deer Lodge and attended Linwood School where she earned a school letter as a member of the girls' basketball team, was active on the yearbook committee and served as class secretary. She then attended secretarial college and worked at Brigden's Limited a leading production house for department store catalogues first as a fashion model and later as head of the modelling department. In 1948, she was introduced to Lt. J. D. (Jack) Perrin, Jr., RCNVR, who had recently returned from overseas service in the Royal Navy. She was swept off her feet and they married the next year. Following the custom of the times, Nancy changed careers to become a full time homemaker and then mother. During these years she was happiest as hostess at the family's farm property, Beaudry Farm (now Beaudry Provincial Park) near Headingley. She also became a strong swimmer and a regular presence in the Winter Club pool. After raising her three children, beginning in the mid-1970s Nancy built a successful career as a real estate agent with her friends in the firm Banfield, Macfarlane & Evans. Notably, she helped write what today seems an unbelievable chapter in real estate history by assisting in arranging the first mortgage loan ever made in Manitoba to a single female home buyer without a male guarantor. Her real estate career led her briefly into property management, from which she retired in 1985. In retirement, Nancy remained active as a director of her condominium corporation and as the founding president of her much-loved ladies' walking club in Osborne Village. A music lover possessed of a poetic spirit and blessed with a keen sense of humour, Nancy had a wonderful way with words, which made her cards and letters a joy to receive. Mindful of her Irish and Scottish heritage, determined and intelligent, she relished a vigorous debate. Above all, however, she was a modest and deeply caring person who will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered. The family sincerely thanks the attending physicians, nurses and staff at Victoria General Hospital as well as Nancy's friends at the walking club and The Portsmouth retirement residence, for their care and support in her waning months. Cremation will be followed in the New Year by interment in her family plot and a private reception in her memory. Bardal Funeral Home and Crematorium 843 Sherbrook Street, 204-774-7474 Condolences: www.bardal.ca
Publish Date: Dec 14, 2013

NANCY SUZANNE PERRIN (nee MCKAY) On December 11, 2013, at Victoria Hospital, at the age of 88 years. A full obituary will follow. Bardal Funeral Home and Crematorium 843 Sherbrook Street 204-774-7474
Publish Date: Dec 13, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 14, 2013