NANCY WALDEN

Nancy Walden of Lucknow passed away peacefully at the time of her choosing at Wingham & District Hospital on Feb. 24, 2025, at the age of 71.
Survived by sister Lynda Walden of the Niagara area, stepmother Lois (née 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 as well as by several step-nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins.
Predeceased by parents Jean (née Taylor, 1963) and Glen (2018) Walden; toddler step-sister 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 (née 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, PSWs, 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 in Lucknow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Wingham & District Hospital Foundation or Lucknow United Church would be greatly appreciated as expressions of sympathy. To leave a condolence or donate, please go online to www.mackenzieandmccreath.com.