Our beautiful Nancy Evelyne Dillabough, passed away peacefully, and unexpectedly, in her home on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at the age of 56 years. She was a beloved Daughter, Sister, Auntie, Great Auntie, and Friend. She loved life and inspired each connection she made with her positive attitude, smile, gratitude, strength and bravery.

Nancy was born November 23, 1967 in Calgary, to Anne Dillabough and the late Dave Dillabough. She loved to spend time with her Mom. Anne was the most amazing Mother to Nancy. She was her advocate and biggest supporter – meticulously and selflessly caring for Nancy’s every need. And, over the past five years, Nancy demonstrated (daily) her love and unending commitment to her mother by meticulously meeting all of Anne’s needs. Anne and Nancy created extra special memories together on their vacations to the sun! They took several trips to the Dominican Republic, graced the Mexican beaches, and fell in love with Maui on their dream vacation. Nancy’s favorite time with her Dad was spent playing crib. Dave ignited in Nancy a passion for cards and games. Nancy loved playing board and card games with her friends and family. She also spent hours of alone time playing games on her phone and tablet. Most recently, she ventured independently to the Golden Circle each week, where she enjoyed playing crib and scrabble and making new friends. Nancy was a competitive player – not one to let others beat her when she could help it – and loved leaving the Golden Circle with a few extra coins from her lucky wins!

Nancy was so proud to be a big sister to Susan Dillabough and Doreen Parcels. Her number one love was her family. There were no limits to what Nancy would do to support her sisters.

Without a doubt, Nancy’s greatest joy came from her loving relationship with her nieces, Hanna Delemont (Barthel), Emma Delamont (Larsen), Annessa Parcels, and Ella Parcels. It was rare to have a conversation with Nancy where she didn’t mention her nieces. She was so proud of each milestone and accomplishment they achieved. She showered them with love. She always gave the girls a special card for Christmas and their birthdays, which they knew to carefully open, so the money she gave them didn’t fall out! Her delicious Angel Food Birthday Cakes became a family tradition, and she delighted in inserting ‘surprise’ coins into the cakes. Nancy was a master baker. Though she generously shared her baking with everyone she loved, her nieces regularly experienced the gift of her incredible banana bread. Nancy supported her special girls at their sporting events, dance recitals, singing performances, graduations, weddings and special occasions. She loved and embraced every opportunity to be with them and celebrated every moment she spent with them. Nancy was especially excited to become a great Auntie. She had a special day when she got to meet and hold sweet baby, Maizy Anne.

Nancy developed special relationships with each of her care workers, striving to give back as much, if not more, than she received. She had a special group of friends and made time for them all!

Nancy’s love of animals started as a small child with her toy poodle. Her deep, lifelong love of animals was shared by her niece, Ella. So, together, Ella and Nancy ran a hobby farm. Nancy was ‘over the moon’ each time Ella introduced a new species or animal to the farm. Nancy joyfully played an important daily role in the rigorous care of the animals, and she was good at it. Nancy loved horses so much that on a trip to the auction mart with Ella, she put her hand up and bought a miniature one! Not only did Nancy love animals, animals loved Nancy.

During, and following, High School, Nancy worked at the North Dairy Queen. Her work ethic and skill resulted in attaining a supervisor position which she managed beautifully. Following High School, she attained her banking and business diploma. She then worked at Cosmos Enterprises in an Administrative Support Role for several years. Nancy loved her job at Cosmos and used her earnings to buy her little red sports car. She loved that car! Though declining health meant she could no longer work at Cosmos, she had established friendships with a group of her colleagues that would last her lifetime.

The transition away from paid work didn’t mean the end of Nancy’s contribution to her Red Deer community. Nancy began volunteering and continued this passionately until her passing. Canadian Blood Services was near and dear to her heart. Blood donation had saved her life as a child, and she was committed to recruit blood donors to save the lives of others. She worked tirelessly for Canadian Blood Services for over ten years and her unwavering commitment did not go unnoticed. In 2017, Nancy was flown to Ottawa to receive an award that is given annually to a volunteer from Western Canada. Being selected to receive this 2017 National Award marked one of Nancy’s proudest achievements.

For the past ten years, Nancy volunteered at Blue Grass Garden Center and it quickly became one of her favorite places to be. Nancy was the smiling face that greeted each visitor. This past summer she headed to Blue Grass Edmonton to help her niece, Annessa with a perennial sale. In testament to her steadfast commitment and determination, she braved the wind and rain outside for three days, insisting she was ‘just fine’ and continuing to help customers.

When Nancy’s desire to live independently became a priority, she made it happen. Within the walls of her apartment (Elenor’s Place) in Southeast Red Deer, she created her place of tranquility and beauty. She took pride in her home and the independence it afforded.

Nancy’s beautiful smile and sweet greetings like “Hello Beautiful” filled hearts with joy. She was a beautiful force that loved family, friends, and animals. She loved children. She continually looked for ways to improve the days and lives of others. She was an adventure seeker and loved trying new things. Her nieces, Hanna and Emma loved taking her on new adventures to amusement parks, parades, quading, canoeing and rafting. She loved hot weather and loved to relax in the sun. She loved movies and popcorn and sweets. She loved coolers, Malibu, and a good party. “Cheers”.

No obstacle stood in her way. When it came to achieving the things she wanted, she simply made it happen. When she had the will, she found the way.

Nancy combined a positive attitude, sheer determination, and incredible strength to overcome challenges that would seem unsurmountable to some. Her life was not easy. So, each day she chose to have a positive attitude. She took on challenges that came her way with grace. She leaves a legacy of gratitude, joy, positivity, unlimited work ethic and immense strength which will forever be remembered by everyone whose lives she touched.

Nancy was predeceased by her father, Dave Dillabough, her Cousin, Agnes White, her Auntie, Eva McCormick, her Uncle, Jim McCormick, paternal, Grandparents Sam and Bessie Dillabough, and maternal Grandparents, Harold and Agnes White. She will be lovingly remembered by her mother, Anne Dillabough, her Sisters, Susan Dillabough (Jim Burbridge), Doreen Parcels (Bruce McEwen), her Nieces, Hanna (Pete), her great niece, Maizy, Emma (Logan), Annessa, Ella, her Auntie, Rena White, her Uncle, Frank White (Alice) and her Cousin, Cameron McCormick (Colette, Collin). Nancy was also loved by her Aunts, Uncles and Cousins in Manitoba and Minnesota.

Nancy never left a word of gratitude unsaid. Through her words and actions, she made sure the people in her life knew they were appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, Memorial Donations in Nancy’s honor may be made to Red Deer Catholic Social Services in support of Elenor’s Place or the Golden Circle Red Deer. Donations will be accepted at her service or please contact her sisters.

PLEASE COME CELEBRATE NANCY’S LIFE WITH THOSE SHE KNEW AND LOVED ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. AT BLUE GRASS GARDEN CENTER, RED DEER.
Join us for a light lunch and socializing following the celebration.
Colorful and bright attire is encouraged!

Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

• Date : 2024-09-13
• Location : (Red Deer) Locally Family Owned (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com