DUFFY, “Nancy” Agnes (McCartney), age 102 years, 9 months, of Parkdale, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, passed away on Sunday, November 25th, 2018. She was born on February 22nd, 1916, in Bridgeton, Glasgow, Scotland, the youngest of eight children of the late James and Lizzie (Kyle) McCartney.
Beloved by her sons Bill (Trish) of Port Hope, and Tom (Gaétane) of Ajax, and predeceased by her soul mate Tom Sr (1911-1992). Nancy was darling Grandma to Kelly (deceased), Heather, Amber (Ken), Sean, Ian (Cheryl), Sarah Nancy and Graham, and Great-Grandma to Alisha and Wee Ian.
Nancy wanted to be cremated with no viewing. There will be gatherings to celebrate her life at later dates for Parkdale friends and for family.
Nancy maintained close, loving contacts in Scotland. Still living are: her niece Betty Lockhart and family (Lynn, June, John, David and Julie, and their families); her niece and nephew Maureen and David McCartney (and their families); and her niece Agnes Wallace (and her family).
Nancy emigrated in 1952 to Canada with her boys Billy and Wee Tommy when Tom was brought over the year earlier to work on the AVRO Arrow. They lived on Marion, Garden and Fuller in Parkdale, and eventually lived for 44 years in the apartment building at 190 Jameson Ave (at Laxton Ave) where Nancy had close friends, including Olga & Ziggy Iro, Bobby Hail (deceased) and Manuela Ramirez.
Sweet Nancy had many friends and enjoyed numerous activities. She was an avid bowler who won a number of trophies and bowled a perfect game. She enjoyed activities with the Parkdale Golden Age Foundation; practised tai chi; played shuffleboard on Ward’s Island; made many crafts. She had good friends at the euchre club including June Shanks. In earlier days, Nancy and Tom used to go dancing at the Sunnyside Pavilion with dear friends Terry and Paul Karenfeld, and enjoyed music parties at Mary and Charlie Parkers’ (deceased) home with John and Margaret Murphy (deceased).
Nancy was a nurturing and generous person. She cooked great meals, and was always the first to remember to send out birthday and Christmas cards.
Nancy was a staunch supporter of the Daughters of Scotland and was President of the Toronto chapter in the 1970s. She still wore her sash and brooch at each one of her recent birthday parties.
Nancy was a member of the North Parkdale United Church which eventually merged with the Roncesvalles United Church. Mum’s former minister, Rev Cheri DiNovo, was a welcome comfort in Mum’s final days. When Cheri was the local MPP, she had come to three of Mum’s recent birthday parties.
Much appreciation goes to Mum’s supportive friends: June Shanks, Manuela Ramirez, Olga Iro, and Terry Karenfeld. You visited her often and kept her spirits up!
Grateful thanks to the hard-working staff of Chartwell White Eagle Residence. You did so much to take care of and include Mum! We are thankful for the friendship that Mum had with Paul, her table-mate, and others there.
Nancy had a lovely Scottish accent, delightful laugh and bright smile–we will miss her sweet personality!
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