Nancy Wallis Mason
(nee Emerton)
died in her home at Fanny Bay on the 10th of May following a prolonged illness, throughout which she maintained her customary positive outlook.
During the final year of her life, Nancy was lovingly cared for by her sons, Peter, Bob, and Matthew, by her wonderful caregiver Maribel Lorbes, by the dedicated community health workers of VIHA, and weekend caregiver/gardener Sally Whibley. The family thanks her long-time physician, Dr. Janet Green, and her many friends young and old for their support.
Nancy was born in Victoria in 1924, and grew up on Denman Island with her parents, Percy and Mary, and her half brothers, Douglas and Bernard. In 1943, she joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, and served in recruitment and pay administration in Rockcliffe, ON, and at Boundary Bay and Pat Bay, BC. Upon being demobilized in 1946, Nancy returned home, and met her future husband, Gordon Mason, while playing tennis on Denman Island. Nancy and Gordon married in 1947 and raised their sons in Campbell River, Black Creek, and Fanny Bay.
Nancy was known by all as a great lover of animals, and rescued numerous abandoned dogs and cats over the years. She also kept horses, and on two occasions her corgis placed first in their categories in national dog shows. Nancy remained active and adventurous into her old age; she enjoyed kayaking and ATVing, and relished her recent trips to New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Hawaii, and her adventures in Northern Canada and Alaska.
Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Gordon. She leaves behind her sons, Peter (Helen), Bob (Merri), and Matthew (Tara), her grandchildren Tim (Nina), Mike (Breagh), Laura, Mariesa (Jonathan), Rebecca, Willie, and Scarlett, and her great-grandchildren Delaney, Kate and Maya.