Dec 6, 1925 - Feb 13, 2018
URE (STEVENETT), Nancy Louise ~
December 6, 1925 - February 13, 2018!
The world has lost a kind, gentle and ethical soul. After a brief and frustrating diagnosis of leukemia, Mom lost the energy to surround herself with friends and to radiate the joy she emanated.
Her life was lived without regret. She approached it with class and spread delight and joy wherever she went and with whomever she greeted. She was a storyteller, a fine and talented musician, a leader and a friend to all. Mom loved a good laugh and surrounded herself with positive people. She was deeply spiritual and continued through her adult life to query various faiths and to come to peace with her own beliefs.
Born in Innisfail to Jack and Jessie Stevenett, she spent most of her life in Innisfail. She gained her education at the Antler Hill School and moved to Innisfail at a young age to complete high school. She often spoke of the unintended education she received at that time while living above the Innisfail Pool Hall.
Upon completing high school, she moved to Calgary to complete a secretarial course at Mount Royal College. At that time she met her very influential friend and mentor, Cyril Mossop, who encouraged her to continue her interest in music. She redirected her studies in piano to voice, and became known in Calgary and Western Canada as a fine lyric soprano. Mom became the soprano soloist in Calgary's Knox United Church choir and was delighted to perform the Messiah and various other works. She was featured on the CBC Prairie Showcase several times and the radio filled many homes with her pure and unwavering voice. She sang at Robbie Burns events at the Palliser Hotel and was in demand for her musical skills throughout the Calgary area. During this time she completed Associate Degrees in Music with both the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and the University of Alberta.
Upon completing her secretarial course, she gained employment at Cockshut Plow in Calgary before moving to Red Deer, working for the Veterans Land Act. During this time she continued to commute to Calgary twice a week to rehearse and perform in the Knox Choir.
In honouring a request from her parents, she moved back to the family farm at Antler Hill to help care for aging family members. She ceased her trips to Calgary and began to teach voice and piano in Innisfail. She developed a large following of pupils and influenced many children in their musical development.
Mom had a sense of adventure and in 1956, set off to hitchhike through the British Isles and tour through the continent. She often referred to this adventure as a highlight of her life.
Upon returning she met Percy Ure and after a three month courtship, they married and began mixed farming together on the Cottonwood Road. Daughter Marilyn and son David completed their family.
The family skied and camped together and she was supportive of the endeavours which her family pursued. Each summer they would get away in their Alaskan Camper. Mom had fond memories of a family road trip to the Yukon and Alaska in 1968 and revisited the North in later years with Dad.
Mom contributed to farm life as farm wives did at that time, choosing to not work outside of the farm. During harvesting season, as she waited a full hopper of grain with the truck, she penned poetry and sketched. Her collection, "Jotting by the Wayside" indicates her beautiful nature.
She found time to serve as the United Church Organist and Choir Director for thirty years. Later in life she also dedicated herself to the Innisfail Senior Serenaders whom she directed for thirty years. She sang in Chatelaine, a woman's chorus, for many years.
Mom made a difference. She received an honour as an Innisfail Community Builder and was also recognized at the Banff Springs Hotel for her contributions as organist for Eventide Funeral Chapel. She played for countless weddings, served on the Innisfail United Church Board and was regarded with respect for her kind and generous ways.
After the passing of Percy in 1992, Mom chose to stay on the farm. She loved her birds, the wildlife and the beautiful setting of Purealta Farm. Over the years she made changes to her house and also gathered a fine support team to ensure she could remain in her home.
She began to travel and spent treasured time in Australia, Wales, England, Germany, China, Maui, Oahu, Belize, Nova Scotia, PEI, Tofino,Victoria, Vancouver, the Okanagan and parts of the United States. She was always curious and interested in people and loved to see new sights. She was a great travel companion and did not hesitate to jump on a plane, a boat, a train or into a car. She even had her own convertible-riding hat. Everywhere she went, she made friends and received loving and kind reactions.
In 2014, she made the difficult decision to leave her treasured home and moved to Red Deer. She made a comfortable nest out of her suite at Revera Inglewood and soon gained new friends. Her life long friends were always treasured but she adapted to a new life style and became a much loved and treasured part of the Inglewood family. People have continually spoken of her kindness; her sweetness; her class; her love and respect of others.
Mom requested that no funeral be held. Instead, a celebration tea will be held at the Ellis Bird Farm in June. She wanted a celebration with lots of visiting, music and laughter; things that were dear to her heart.