NANCY SAMETZ

Obituary of NANCY SAMETZ

   On a serene winter afternoon with the light streaming into the room, and surrounded by her family, Nancy Joyce Sametz passed away. Her wish for a peaceful transition to now eternal life had been granted.

            Nancy was the youngest child of Joe and Margaret Didur and sister to Shirley and Leonard. She was a true baby boomer and boom she did in her lifetime! She is predeceased by her grandparents and parents, her sister and her in- laws Wes and Jean Sametz.

           Left to mourn and remember Nancy forever are her husband Greg, her twin sons Garritt and Graydon (Kristen) her brother and sisters-in law Bev Didur and Brenda Franke. Five nieces and four nephews will remember their dear aunt. Her extended family is scattered throughout Canada and the US.Nancy's keen interest in genealogy enabled her to share many details about her family's heritage who had arrived from Ukraine at the turn of the 20th century.

          Nancy was a dedicated and well-respected educator. She helped develop the occupational entrance program in the Portage la Prairie School Division for students who could better thrive when they combined a modified curriculum with a work experience in the community. Her career was paused as she raised her children. With the move to the city, she offered instruction in the continuing Ed program in the Seven Oaks School Division and became a divisional tutor in the homes of students who could not attend school regularly. She never missed an opportunity to make things better; volunteering to teach English to new Canadians, or serving as the president of the Portage Parents of Twins and Triplets and as the national resource librarian of this same organization. She was one of the founding members of the Manitoba Depression Glass Club. In the early 90's she served as the national office manager for the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers. She loved knitting, quilting, and cross stitch. She recently perfected the craft of designing and making beautiful greeting cards which were well sought after at many of the seasonal craft sales.

        Nancy was a passionate and adventurous traveller, having visited six of the seven continents. Highlights of these adventures

included eating dim sum on the streets of Hong Kong; cruising on the Nile following a camel ride to the base of the Great Pyramid only to descend to explore one of the burial shafts inside; sipping chai in the former palace of the Czar; cuddling with a koala in an Australian rescue facility; petting a panda in mainland China; watching an iceberg “birthing” on an Alaskan cruise or sailing the waters of the Caribbean. She explored the ruins of the ancient Inca and Aztec, feasted with the Maori and did luau in Hawaii. She delighted in exploring all provinces and territories as well as most states, participating in historic, cultural educational and musical events.

   Nancy's greatest accomplishment in life was as a devoted wife and mother. She nurtured our preemie twins and encouraged their many goals and endeavours. She supported Greg's many aspirations over many decades. She was a dedicated daughter and guided her mother who lived to nearly 100 years old. She leaves a legacy filled with love.

      Delta Beach, on the southern tip of Lake Manitoba held a special place for Nancy. It was the summer refuge after a hard year of teaching and it became the summer holiday retreat for the family as it grew. Many happy days entertaining family and friends were part of Delta life.

     The world has been a better place with our beloved Nancy in it. In our carefully labelled bins, our albums and  in our digital images, she has left us with the memories which will help sustain us as we carry on without her .We shall forever have her in our hearts.

     Our sincere thanks are extended to the doctors and staff of the Seven Oaks Hospital for caring for Nancy in her final days. A contribution to the SOGH or to CancerCare Manitoba would be appropriate.

         Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at the Cropo Funeral Chapel at 1442 Main St on Saturday, February 22 at 12:00 noon. Interment is planned for a later date in the columbarium niche at the Holy Family Cemetery.

            

  FOREVER TOGETHER LIKE THE STARS SHINING IN THE SKY

A Memorial Tree was planted for NANCY
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at 1442 Main Street
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