Obituary of Nancy May Sparrow

November 18, 1927 – July 10, 2022

It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of Nancy Sparrow announce her peaceful passing on July 10, 2022, at the Palliative Care Unit, St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon.  A full and long life, well lived and appreciated by all who knew Nancy.

Nancy is survived by her four sons and their families.  Norm and Brenda (Jerilyn & Mike Gabruck, Peyton, Beau and Georgia); (Jamie & Rory Statham, Rylan); (Greg & Whitney, Brinkley).   Morley and Patti (Brandon & Kristine, Stadler, Vance); (Travis & Jillian, Elle, Maeve); (Kirstin & Rob Voice, Cawley). Vern and Joan (Siera & Quinn Paterson, Theodore); (Devin & Holly); (Mitchell & Ashton).  Cam and Kerrie (Emma & David), Jill and Josie.  She was predeceased by her parents James and Ellen Weedon, 4 brothers Jim, Bill, Phillip, Art and sister Amy; husband Alan Sparrow, in 2013. 

Nancy was born in 1927 and raised in the Paddockwood, SK District.  The youngest of a family of 6, Nancy grew up on a working farm and attended school in Paddockwood and Prince Albert before moving to Saskatoon for an education at Normal School. It was Nancy’s dream to become a teacher and she was the inspiration and guidance to so many young children to have dreams and live their lives as she did.  Simply and full.  A beautiful young woman inspiring so many with her kind manner. 

It was during her time as a young teacher that she met the love of her life, Alan, and they were married in July of 1956.  Nancy was blessed with four sons in 7 years and a busy life on the farm in the Vanscoy area is where she was so very proud to call home.  Even at the busiest times, Nancy always welcomed family and friends to her home for a meal or visit.    

Nancy along with Alan were community people.  They were active leaders of the Vanscoy Multiple 4-H Club for many years, served on the UCW Board and were instrumental in promoting the Charolais breed across Canada.  Many great memories were made square -dancing and socializing within the community.  It was during these years that Nancy became known to all she met as the most kind and generous lady we will always remember.

A loving wife and mother who taught us all the importance of appreciating hard work and following dreams.  Nancy was so very proud of her sons and their families, 4 sons, 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, always appreciating visits, a good story and hugs until her passing.  A very independent and family-oriented lady, Nancy always was interested to know how things were progressing on the farm or where the next plane trip was.  She loved her heritage and cherished the home she made for her family in an agricultural community. 

Nancy always took great pride in sharing her fondness for her family and as well as the wonderful years on the farm, with the many friends that she acquired at Oliver Place.  Nancy lived there comfortably until February of this year.  A beautiful bond of community and friendship for her senior years. 

The family is so grateful for all of Nancy’s many close friends who have recently shown support and love for her as her health deteriorated.  She touched many lives in 94 years with her kindness.  Always a woman of integrity and grace, a woman we will remember and cherish always.  You were the glue that bound our family with Dad.  A legacy left for us to cherish and be so very proud of.  Rest in Peace, we will love you always.

Very special thank you to the caring staff at Kensington Gentle Care Home, Warm and Cozy Care Home Saskatoon and St. Paul’s Hospital Palliative Staff.  Your end-of-life care for Nancy was nothing short of amazing.

The family would sincerely invite you to a celebration of Nancy’s life on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 @ 2:00 PM.  The Glen At Crossmount, SK., Lorne Avenue Saskatoon.   

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Nancy’s honor to the PCU, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, 1702-20^th Street W., Saskatoon, S7M 0Z9 or The Saskatchewan 4-H Foundation, 3830 Thatcher Ave. Saskatoon, S7R 1A5.