Nancy Louise Duncan

26-Jun-1946 - 05-Apr-2023

Obituary Overview

In Loving Memory


Nancy Louise Duncan nee Hickling

Heaven gained an angel early morning on April 5, 2023 as Nancy passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

Knowing how to make an entrance, Nancy passed during a powerful and beautiful thunder and lightning storm. Go Nancy! Being a woman of extreme influence, the storm carried on throughout the day.

We are heartbroken, and equally relieved to know she is freely dancing in heaven, moving without a wheelchair, reunited with her parents and other dear loved ones, watching down in peace as the Angel she always has been.

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend Nancy Louise Duncan nee Hickling was predeceased by her father and mother Howard and Audrey Hickling nee Munce. She is survived by her devoted partner Lenn Holmberg, two daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Jennifer (Robert) Stiffler and Mr. and Mrs. Katherine (Graham) Marr, two step daughters Sarah Barkwill and Mr. and Mrs. Andrea (Alan) Barry and stepson Rob Strachan and six grandchildren, Adelaide Louise Marr, Grayson James Marr, Tyler Barkwill, Zoe Barkwill, Daisy Naylor, Max Naylor.

Born in Hamilton, living in Leaside for four decades, with summers spent in Muskoka, and her last decade-plus at Sunrise, Nancy positively impacted the lives of many. She graduated from University of Guelph, as smart as she was modest, she was a proud active alumni. As well as a devoted lifelong adored member of Leaside United Church.

To know Nancy was to love her! As everyone's cheerleader, never found without a gift in hand and a big hug to follow. Nancy was the epitome of strength, an inspiration to many. She never complained. She lived with love. Family was her world. Always asking about others, she was as selfless as she was generous. An anonymous philanthropist, never wanting any attention. Her generosity knew no bounds! If you met her once, Nancy knew your birthday for life. And you'd get an email or phone call!

Please think of Nancy every time you dance, swim, eat dessert first, play piano, laugh, smile, watch a sunset, see an owl, wear blue, hug your grandchildren, love hard, cottage, and use a post-it!

Nancy was one of a kind. Please share stories of Nancy for us to share with her beloved grandchildren. Her life. Her legacy. In knowing Nancy, you knew them. We will talk about her with them passionately and often!


"If there ever comes a day where we can't be together, keep me in your heart. I'll stay there forever." - Winnie The Pooh

Nancy’s Celebration of Life
Sunday, April 16, 2023
Service at 3 p.m.
Reception to follow 4-6 p.m.

Glen Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery
3164 Ninth Line, Oakville ON CA, L6H 7A8
T: (905) 257-8822

There will be a live stream for those there in spirit: Livestream Link

In lieu of flowers, please consider:

Spinal Cord Injury Ontario | Supporting and advocating for and with people with a disability: Spinal Cord Injury Ontario Donation Link

Daily Bread Food Bank: Daily Bread Food Bank Donation Link

Or a charity of your choice ❤️

Funeral Details

  • Memorial Service

    Glen Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery

    Event Times:

    16-Apr-2023 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

More Details & Directions



Condolences from family and friends

Posted by Margaret Franklin | 16-Apr-2023


I will miss Nancy's emails, and her smiling face on Zoom. Nancy was unfailingly appreciative and supportive to me, and I tried to return as much, but it was a high standard she set. Nancy was instrumental in me beginning to weave many years ago as I admired her work so much. We lost touch a little when we moved out of Toronto, even before Nancy's accident, but coming back in 2017 I was so pleased to have Nancy as a friend. Blessings to all the family and especially, Len. The service was so beautiful in its portrayal of who Nancy was as a person, Mother and Grandmother, Friend to many.

View More View More down arrow

Posted by Kimmy Javier | 16-Apr-2023


I met Nancy at Sunrise when I was little. As I waited for my mom to finish work, I found a couch to read books, that was in the hallway close to Nancy's room. My first impression of her was that she had such strong positive energy. Whenever I saw her there was always a smile on her face. I knew how much she loved sweets and would remember to bring some banana bread for her whenever I baked. I didn't have any grandparents so Nancy very much felt like family. I quickly became part of her email list and she supported me all from elementary to university graduation. I will never forget that unwavering, unconditional love she shared with me even as I started school in a different city. The last email I received from her was on Valentine's Day. The quote she sent me was " When my arms can't reach people who are close to my heart...I always hug them with my prayers." I wish I could give her a hug right now but I am in awe of how many people she touched in her life, as she has touched mine deeply. You will be so very missed Nance, we will never forget your kindness and love. I hope to be able to share that love with others as you have with me.

View More View More down arrow

Express your condolences

Make a donation to their preferred charity or order flowers.