Nancy Louise Chamberlayne

On Monday November 14th, 2022 Nancy Louise Chamberlayne, beloved wife, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, at the age of 70. Nancy was born in Vancouver, B.C. on March 17, 1952 to Edith and Gordon Chamberlayne. At the age of nine the family moved from West Vancouver to the small town of Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. Nancy earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education at the University of Victoria and, later, a Master’s of Education (Counselling Psychology) from the University of British Columbia.

Nancy was an athlete who, in high school,  competed in the 400 metre hurdles at the provincial level. As a young woman she loved running, skiing, climbing mountains, and teaching Physical Education to high school students. After receiving her Master’s degree, Nancy continued on as a high school counsellor. She had a passion for the outdoors and for protecting the environment. She travelled to Africa, Spain, and Portugal.

After Multiple Sclerosis ended Nancy’s teaching career, she volunteered to lead self-help groups, did phone counselling, and wrote articles (which were published in national magazines in Canada and the U.S.) to support and encourage other people who, like herself, had to learn to live with MS. Nancy fought MS for 35 years with grace, courage, and humour. She inspired others to live life to the fullest, despite the challenges life threw their way. And Nancy didn’t just make friends, she kept friends, from childhood, to university, and beyond. She was determined that MS would not define who she was and it never did!

Nancy is survived by her mother Edith, devoted husband of 41 years, Gary, brother Bruce (Linda),  and brothers-in-laws Rick (Christine), Darrell,and Russell, her much loved nieces and nephews Nicole (Matthew), Carolyn (Trevor), Trevor (Kate-Lynn), and Travis (Karissa), and great nieces and nephews, Abby, Eli, Shyla, and Juni. A Celebration of Life for Nancy will be held in the Spring of 2023 on Saturday, May 20th at St. Edmund's Anglican Church in Parksville, B.C. A reception in the church hall will follow. https://bc.anglican.ca/mid-north-islands/st-anne-st-edmund

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the M.S. Society of Canada.