​Nancy Walden of Lucknow dies at the age of 71

Nancy Pauline Walden of Lucknow died peacefully, at the time of her choosing, at Wingham and District Hospital, Feb. 24, 2025, at the age of 71.

Predeceased by her parents, Jean (Taylor, 1963) and Glen Walden (2018).

Survived by her sister, Lynda Walden of Niagara; stepmother, Lois (Fell, Alton) Walden of Huronlea Long-Term Care in Brussels; and stepsisters, June Alton of Clinton, Nancy Ebel of Kitchener, Ruth (Don) Ritchie of Goderich, and Grace Alton of Kitchener.

Also survived by her nephew, Joe (Lisa) Karpyshyn of Clinton, and niece, Taylor (Vincent) Champeval of Marsh Lake, Yukon, and their families; several step-nieces and -nephews, great-nieces and -nephews and cousins.

Predeceased by her toddler stepsister, Mary Alton (1966); nephew, Dan Karpyshyn (2020); and stepbrother-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 Bachelor of Arts in 1975, the opportunity arose for Nancy to work as a classroom assistant for one year at St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Kincardine. Subsequently, she trained as an administrative assistant and worked in London, before heading west to Calgary, Alberta, and finally landing in Victoria, British Columbia.

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, personal support workers, private hires, and dedicated neighbours at River Valley Seniors apartments in Lucknow, Nancy was able to live independently in her apartment for more than 15 years.

When Canada legalized MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying) in 2016, Nancy was relieved and knew this would be her eventual choice.

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 the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation or Lucknow United Church would be greatly appreciated as expressions of sympathy; arrangements entrusted to the MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral Home, Lucknow; www.mackenzieandmccreath.com.