Nancy Walden of Lucknow passed away peacefully at the time of her choosing at Wingham and District Hospital on February 24, 2025 at the age of 71. Predeceased by parents Jean (Taylor)(1963) and Glen (2018) Walden. Survived by sister Lynda Walden of Niagara area, stepmother Lois (Fell)(Alton) Walden of Huronlea LTC Brussels, and step sisters June Alton of Clinton, Nancy Ebel of Kitchener, Ruth (Don) Ritchie of Goderich and Grace Alton of Kitchener. Also survived by nephew Joe (Lisa) Karpyshyn of Clinton and niece Taylor (Vincent) Champeval of Marsh Lake, YK and their families. Also survived by several step nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins. Predeceased by toddler stepsister Mary Alton (1966), nephew Dan Karpyshyn (2020) and step-brother-in-law Matheson Ebel (2002).
Nancy and her older sister grew up on Walcroft Dairy farm on the south edge of Lucknow. Farm life involved ponies, dogs, barn cats and showing 4-H dairy calves. Nancy participated in Brownies, Girl Guides and 4-H Homemaking clubs. A constant backdrop in her life was the joy of piano lessons which led to an inherent but unstoppable “playing by ear” tendency. Sadly, in the fall of 1963 Nancy’s mother Jean died unexpectedly. In 1965 Glen remarried widow Lois (Fell) Alton who had five young daughters. Family life became hectic with the blending of two farm families and raising seven girls. After graduating from the University of Guelph with a B.A. in 1975, the opportunity arose for Nancy to work as a classroom assistant for one year at St. Anthony Catholic School in Kincardine. Subsequently she trained as an administrative assistant and worked in London, ON before heading west to Calgary, AB and finally landing in Victoria, BC. Her work life was cut short after being diagnosed in December 1993 with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In 1999 Nancy returned to her hometown of Lucknow. With the help of family, PSW’s, private hires, and dedicated neighbours at River Valley Seniors apartments in Lucknow Nancy was able to live independently in her apartment for over 15 years. When Canada legalized M.A.I.D. (Medical Assistance in Dying) in 2016 Nancy was relieved and knew this would be her eventual choice.
Arrangements entrusted to MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral Home, Lucknow. At Nancy’s request there will be no visitation or funeral. Spring interment will be held at Greenhill Cemetery Lucknow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Wingham and District Hospital Foundation or Lucknow United Church would be greatly appreciated as expressions of sympathy. To leave a condolence or donate please go to www.mackenzieandmccreath.com .
