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NANCY FUREY (SMITH)
Born: Dec 23, 1926
Date of Passing: Aug 18, 2020
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NANCY FUREY
(nee SMITH)
December 23, 1926 - August 18, 2020
Nancy was predeceased by her husband James in 1989, son Brian and son-in-law Glen both in 2009, and daughter Sheila in 2010. She was the last of her Smith family, being predeceased by siblings, Reg, Allan, Harry, Kathleen, Jean and Elsie. Nancy leaves to mourn daughters, Linda Morrison and Joyce Joyal (Mark), son David, grandson Dan McDougall, great-grandson Austin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Nancy was born on December 23, 1926 in Fisher Branch, Manitoba. She grew up on the farm with her parents and six siblings in a small farmhouse with no indoor plumbing or electricity. Though the family was poor, Nancy regarded these as some of the happiest years of her life. After moving to Winnipeg in her late teens, Nancy met and married James Furey in 1947 and they raised a family of five children.
Married life would often be difficult with Dad, who had been a prisoner of war in a Japanese internment camp during the Second World War, and who suffered the rest of his life with what would today be called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In many ways, Mom raised the family on her own.
Mom thought the world of us, her children, and worked hard to maintain a sense of family in our lives. Our birthdays and Christmases were always, single-handedly, made special by Mom. Some of our fondest memories of Mom were when we were all at the summer cottage at Eleanor Lake in the Whiteshell, where she felt the most relaxed. She enjoyed activities such as picking blueberries (her pancakes and pies were fantastic) and watching over us when we went swimming. She had a cheerful demeanor and a great sense of humour. As we grew up, Mom loved meeting our friends, and they got a great kick out of her and liked her a lot. Mom also had a soft heart, empathized with people, and felt for those less fortunate or who were enduring sadness and suffering in their lives.
Losing her eldest son Brian and eldest daughter Sheila took a hard toll on Mom. As she said to Brian just before his passing, "Brian, I would trade places with you if I could." She was heartbroken and never the same again when she lost them both in rapid succession; they passed away only a year apart.
Within a few years Mom developed dementia, and the slow decline began. All her life, Mom quietly accepted and dealt with whatever life threw at her. She didn't complain while spending the last few years of her life in a personal care home. She made the best of it (and loved her bingo!). Many staff at the home commented on how gentle and kind she was and how much they liked her. Nancy was a special Mom and we will miss her very much.
The family extends a sincere thanks to the staff at Mom's unit at Riverview who made her life comfortable during her stay there. A special thank you goes to Mom's companion, Ruth Geauvreau, who spent so much time with her at Riverview and enriched Mom's life with her kindness and patience.
Due to Covid protocols, no service will be held and the family will celebrate Nancy's life privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Siloam Mission, 300 Princess Street, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1M3 or to a charity of your choice.
NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalic.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 22, 2020
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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David, Linda, Joyce, and family, we are very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. We only knew her briefly in our first few years in our cottage Eleanor Lake, when we got a new puppy and she would want us to bring her over for visits - and so she could give her treats. We will remember her as a sweet, kind, animal lover, enjoying the cottage with her family. - Posted by: Ken and Janice Sim (Lake Neighbours) on: Aug 30, 2020
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To Linda, Dan and Austin, David and the rest of Nancy’s family. We were sorry to learn of Nancy’s passing. She was a great neighbour, and made us feel very welcome when we moved in next door some 30 years ago. She was always cheerful and cared so much for you all. Our sincere condolences to you all. - Posted by: Bob and Frances Harris (Neighbours) on: Aug 25, 2020
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I recall visits years ago with your family, mostly at your cabin but sometimes in the city as well. I can still hear your mom’s laugh and remember her being so welcoming. Though they hadn’t seen each other in a number of years, my mom often mentioned your mom and fondly remembered her. My deepest condolences to the family. - Posted by: Pamela (Poitras) Heinrichs (Daughter of Fern (Fred) and Ruth Poitras ) on: Aug 25, 2020
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Our deepest sympathies from my family to yours on the passing of Nancy (Grandma). I'll always have a special place in my heart for how well she treated me and also my family. I'll miss her calling me Yakky every time I showed up at the house or the cabin. I remember how kind she was to my daughters when they were very young and we came to visit. I remember sitting with her and talking about the horses and helping her decide which ones we should "place a bet" on. She was an outstanding lady. - Posted by: The Yakabowski Family (friends) on: Aug 24, 2020
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Linda and family - sorry to hear of your mum’s passing. I only knew her through the time we went down with the kids to the lake, and she was so gracious. Never an easy time. Take care. Alex - Posted by: Alex Milton (Friend of Linda) on: Aug 23, 2020
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Linda, Joyce and David, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was one of the sweetest people on our street. She was always cheerful, smiling, and kind. She made a point of showing an interest and having conversations with all of us kids. My brother Charles and I both thought she was very special. - Posted by: Catherine Newcombe (Neighbour ) on: Aug 22, 2020
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To Linda, our deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. May your memories of her and all the fun with your Mom and family that you had at the lake and elsewhere, provide you with comfort and smiles. John and Shirley - Posted by: Shirley Dunfield (Sister-in- law) on: Aug 22, 2020
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Linda, Joyce & David. My sincere condolences to you for the passing of your mom. She was a great lady who always had a smile and a kind word. I have many great memories of her growing up next door. She will be missed. Bruce Morrison, Nanaimo, BC - Posted by: Bruce Morrison (Former next door neighbor ) on: Aug 22, 2020
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Linda, Joyce & David. Please accept our condolences for your loss. Your Mother was always a kind and loving person. She met everyone with a smile. Jim Beringer & Darlene - Posted by: Darlene Ducharme (Neighbour) on: Aug 22, 2020
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Dear Linda, Your mother was a lovely lady and always so welcoming. May it be of comfort to you and your family in knowing she has met the face of God. Take care. - Posted by: Darlene Hoffman nee: Polanski (friend) on: Aug 22, 2020
