ROBINSON, Nancy May (Nee Hawley)
November 2, 1927- Madison, WI; July 18 - 2015 Calgary, AB
Nancy May Robinson passed away peacefully on July 18, 2015 at the age of 87. Born November 2, 1927, Nancy grew up in Kingston, Ontario and entered Queen’s University at the young age of 16 where she earned a BA (Honours) in Biology (1948) and an MA in Biology (1949). She was fond of her youth in Kingston and she especially enjoyed Queen’s University where her father was a Department Head and where she met and later married her husband, Malcolm. Nancy and Malcolm raised a family of four in a variety of locales including Vancouver, BC, Port of Spain, Trinidad, Denver, Colorado, Calgary, Alberta and White Rock, BC. She had a particular love of the White Rock area where she coveted many friendships and experiences. She was active in the University Women’s Club in both Calgary and White Rock, the White Rock and South Surrey Naturalists Club and the B.C. Waterfowl Society. Nancy’s professional career commenced as a research assistant in the Atomic Energy of Canada Limited’s (AECL) Chalk River, Ontario facility where she conducted applied research in medical bacteriology. Later, during the 1960s in Calgary, she taught Zoology at Mt. Royal College. Following a move to the west coast, she taught at Douglas College in Surrey. Nancy was predeceased by her parents James Edwin and Gladys May Hawley, her brother Donald John Hawley, her husband, Malcolm Robinson, and she leaves behind in her legacy her caring children Wendy (Pat) McKay, Dave (Marilyn), Scott (Julie), and Bruce (Lydia) as well as loving grandchildren Tim (Charlene), Katie (Alex), Dillon, Lauren, Lindy, Leah, Logan and Halle along with great- randchildren Liam and Bridgette. Many of Nancy’s fondest memories were spent exploring the diversity of the natural world, particularly the ocean areas of the West Coast with her family and friends, imparting her abundant wisdom of the wonders of nature. She also enjoyed traveling to unique areas and learning about indigenous people and eco-systems. She was a caring and proud mother to her children providing encouragement and support as they pursued their ambitions in life.
“Now I know why you always asked me to be strong… because you knew that one day I would need the strength to bear your loss. I miss you mum.”
Sincere appreciation is extended to the thoughtful and hardworking nurses, nurse assistants and other staff at Sarcee Carewest as well as to the staff of Millrise Place, where Nancy resided until two years ago. A private memorial will be held at a later date.
“Do not stand by my grave and weep;
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow –
I am a diamond glint upon the snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain –
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awake in the morning hush –
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starshine at night.
Do not stand by my grave and cry –
I am not there – I did not die.