Obituary of Nancy Lockhart
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Nancy Amelia (Fleury) Lockhart, Westville, announces her peaceful passing on Saturday April 10, 2021 in the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital.
Born in New Glasgow, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Mary (Kennedy) Fleury. Westville. After high school, Nancy attended St. F. X. University, graduating in 1979 with a degree in nursing. She married her best friend and the love of her life, Preston, and they moved to Yellowknife, NWT . Upon their return to Pictou County, she worked in Public Health before returning to university to obtain a degree in teaching. Nancy had a rewarding teaching career of 25 years. She would smile with pride when she met former students who credited their success with Mrs. Lockhart having provided them with a solid foundation in Chemistry. She spent her last five years working with at-risk youth. With the approach, ‘I will believe in them until they can believe in themselves,’ she helped each one achieve their Grade 12 with the opportunity to build a brighter future.
Nancy lived an active lifestyle playing volleyball in high school, university and at the Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse. She enjoyed kayaking and found peace and serenity on the water. She was an avid golfer and cyclist. In 2018, Nancy won two gold medals in cycling at the National 55+ Senior Games held in New Brunswick. Nancy would cycle hundreds of kilometers weekly to train for the games while battling cancer and taking chemo treatments. She was unwavering in her determination to keep active.
Nancy enjoyed music, singing and playing flute and guitar. She sang with the Holy Name Choir and with the contemporary Christian Group, Manna. Committed to being a lifelong learner, she took up the fiddle later in life. She loved the music community; always looking forward to meeting new musicians and singers.
Nancy enjoyed long walks with her four-legged little boy, Piper. After retirement she and Preston began RVing. Nancy loved our wonderful country and with her spirit of adventure, they explored many places, which included two trips from the East Coast to the West. There was always so much to see and lots to do.
Nancy enjoyed life, family and friends. She was always there to brighten the lives of those who will miss her dearly. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Preston, Westville; brothers, Herb (Sheryl) Fleury, Alberta; Gerry, B.C.; mother-in-law, Marlyn Lockhart, Westville; brother-in-law, Ken (Bonnie) Lockhart, Westville; sisters-in-law, Karen (Ed) Stewart, Westville; Brenda (Fred) LeDrew, Hazel Glen; nephews, Ryan (Kate) Fleury and JJ (Brieann) Fleury, Alberta; niece, Natalie Fleury, B.C.; nephew, Kenny G. (Amy)Lockhart , Westville; Michael (Nadine) Lockhart, Dartmouth; niece, Jessica (Jeff) Lockhart, Windsor; niece, Melinda (Blaine) Murray, Westville; nephew, Ian (Michelle) Stewart, Westville; nephew, Jacob (Jennifer) LeDrew. NL; niece, Holly (Guy) Pellerine, Westville; as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews; many cousins.
Nancy is predeceased by her parents, Herb and Mary Fleury; father-in-law, Kenneth Lockhart; her four-legged little boy, Piper, and her best friends, Debbie Blennerhassett and Maureen Murphy.
The family will receive visitors on Wednesday April 14 from 4-7p.m. in Eagles Funeral Home, Westville. Masks and social distancing are required. A funeral mass will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 15 in Holy Name Church, Westville, with Father Peter MacDonald officiating. (Seating is now full) The service will also be streamed live on facebook at Stella Maris - Holy Name Church. Donations in Nancy’s memory can be made to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Unit, Pictou County SPCA, Hope for Wildlife or a charity of your choosing.
The family would like to thank the medical staff at the Aberdeen Hospital, especially the doctors and nurses of the Palliative Care Unit and the VON for their daily home care. For eight years Nancy said, “I’m not dying of cancer, I’m living with cancer.” The relationship Nancy had with Dr. Colleen O’Sullivan was one of trust, knowledge, regard and loyalty. It allowed Nancy to live each day with an unbreakable spirit and positivity. For the exceptional care she provided to our beloved Nancy, we are truly grateful.