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LOIS NAY
It is with broken hearts, we announce the passing of our dear Lois (sister, godmother, aunt, great-aunt, friend, teacher, activist, artist) after a valiant battle with bile duct cancer on April 13, 2023 at age 72. Family were by her side at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon. Lois was predeceased by her parents Bob and Jessie Nay.
She is survived by her siblings Bob (Susan), Marilyn and Bonnie; nephews Robbie, Michael (Carol), and Andrew (Candace) and family and Darren (Jolene) and family; and nieces Melissa (Michael) and Michelle; grandnieces Brooke, Jodi, Nicole, Sarah; and grandnephews Kyle and Cole; and extended family and friends.
Lois was born on April 26, 1950 in Killarney, Manitoba during a snowy spring. She grew up on the family farm near Ninga and had a lifelong love of animals. When she was little, she explored the entire farm with her dog Spotty at her side. Many summer days were spent with Bonnie riding horses bareback and sailing sloughs on rafts built by brother Bob and sister Marilyn. Winter days were spent skating on frozen ponds and sledding on giant snow banks with sister Bonnie and neighbourhood friend Denise.
After graduating from high school in 1968 from Killarney Collegiate, Lois attended Teachers’ College in Brandon University for the one-year program. In 1969, she began her beloved profession of teaching at Deloraine School and taught there for two years, obtaining her permanent teaching certificate. She then returned to Brandon University, receiving a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and History.
Lois resumed teaching, including two years in Winnipeg, before spending most of her 36-year career in Brandon, with one special exception. In 1983, she participated in a Teacher Exchange program on Jersey island at Janvren Elementary School, an experience she cherished. While overseas, she journeyed to Egypt and was struck by its majestic beauty. She incorporated Egyptian history throughout her art and teaching during her career.
Lois taught primarily Grade 3 at Riverview, Betty Gibson and Waverly Park schools in Brandon. Her creativity and passion for storytelling, art and music, including singing to students, shone throughout classes. She loved her students and they loved her. Lois would spend hours prepping new ways to promote learning, and had a special interest in Manitoba’s history, especially Louis Riel. Positive reinforcement was her favourite teaching tool, often rewarding students with glass gems for their hard work.
In 2010, Lois retired from teaching. She soon put her heart and soul into beautifying the family farm as a summer retreat. Lois worked tirelessly, cutting grass on her John Deere, weeding the garden and planting flowers and trees. She enjoyed long walks in the country, regularly accompanied by her much-loved rescue dog Joey. The farmhouse welcomed many of her friends and family over summers. Lois also loved being by the water, whether it be beaches in Cuba or William Lake.
Lois adored visiting with friends and family and having lunch at Lady of the Lake. Her infectious laugh, kindness, generosity and joie de vivre endeared her to many. She had a keen sense of style, both for clothes and decorating. She transformed her home in Brandon into a work of art. An avid reader, Lois read numerous novels by Ann Cleeves and binge watched British TV series like “Vera.”
In this momentous journey, Lois gave thanks to her best friend Gay, who looked after her home as if it were her own; Dennis, her handyman who helped fix anything around her house; and Arnie and Glenyce, who generously opened their home in Toronto while she received treatment. She was also grateful to the neighbours on her street for looking out for her, and to her many friends and colleagues who encouraged and supported her on “the long and winding road.”
We would like to thank Dr. Fourie and Dr. Pitzel for their kindness and support, as well as Home Care staff. Thanks to Dr. Kaiser and the Palliative Care staff at the Assiniboine Centre for their care in Lois’ final week.
As per Lois’ wishes, a private interment will be held at Ninga Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life held at a later date.
If so desired, friends can make a donation to the Brandon Humane Society.
Publish Date: Apr 29, 2023
LOIS NAY
Lois Nay beloved daughter to the late Bob and Jessie Nay, died April 13, 2023, at Assiniboine Centre in Brandon, Manitoba, at the age of 72 years.
Lois is lovingly remembered by her siblings Bob (Susan), Marilyn and Bonnie as well as their families.
A celebration of Lois’ life will be held at a later date and a private interment will take place at Ninga Cemetery.
If so desired friends can make a donation to the Brandon Humane Society;
2200 17th St. E Brandon, Manitoba R7A 7M6.
Publish Date: Apr 15, 2023
As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 15, 2023, Apr 29, 2023
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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Ms. Nay was my third grade teacher, and she made that year one of the best years that I can remember in elementary school. I look back fondly on the time I spent in her classroom, learning and singing, and just enjoying what it meant to be in grade 3. I'll always remember how she used to give us little prizes - I still have my little gems in a treasure chest somewhere. I've had a lot of amazing teachers after and met many great people, but Ms. Nay really was one of the best. I'm glad that we met in this lifetime. - Posted by: Catherine Lin (Former Student) on: Sep 14, 2023
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On behalf of the Russell's in Winnipeg, I send sincere condolences to the family of Lois. We first met Lois at the Russell family reunion in 2004 in Killarney. She was a wonderful person to get to know, as were her other family members who we met. This had the added bonus that Lois and her wonderful family were not-so-distant cousins via James Russell of England who settled in Owen Sound in 1869 and then came west to homestead near Dunrea about 1882. Lois certainly seemed to brighten the room with her smile, and outgoing personality. I know she will be deeply missed by her family and those who were lucky enough to call Lois thier friend. I am very sorry I was unable to attend the celebration of life. - Posted by: Robert (Bob) Russell (Cousin ) on: Jul 13, 2023
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I still remember being in Ms Nay’s grade 3 class and how she was always singing to us. Whether we were walking down the hall to gym or music to teaching us a song she made about the provinces or how to spell Antarctica. I still to this day remember the song and how she always made us students feel so special. She would give out gem stones or small prizes for good behaviour or if it was our birthday. She was a teacher who made an impact. I am now graduated and a teacher myself and I try to emulate the same kindness to my students as Ms Nay gave to me when I was her. She was truly an amazing teacher and person. I was so lucky to be able to have had her as my teacher. - Posted by: Zoe Pellerin (Former student ) on: Apr 17, 2023
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My visit with Lois was very special to me. May she rest in Peace and Free from pain. I so admire the warm, genuine person, Lois was. My life will forever be better because Lois was part of it. A dear Friend - Posted by: john Fefchak (A dear friend) on: Apr 15, 2023
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