Tribute

Elsie Ann Wright (Nancy to all who knew her) passed away peacefully on 17 September 2024 at Greenwoods.

Nancy was born in Detroit, Michigan, on 12 June 1930 to Rev. Thomas Frederick Wright and Grace Wright (née Armstrong), where her parents, both Canadians, were employed by the Episcopal Diocese. Nancy’s father was an Anglican Minister, and her childhood saw frequent moves related to his work. The family migrated to England in 1935, and during World War Two, her father served as a military padre (rank of Squadron Leader) in the Royal Air Force. Nancy saw the horror of war first-hand, being on the ground close to where Nazi bombs were being dropped. In 1944, the family joined Rev. Wright at a posting in Scotland, and they stayed there for several years.

Nancy’s parents returned to Canada in 1954 and she accompanied them to Wembley, Alberta. In 1956, they moved to Canmore, where her father was Rector of St. Michael’s Church, while Nancy divided her time between work at a curio shop in Banff and looking after her invalid mother. Upon her father’s retirement in 1967, they moved to Salt Spring Island, residing next to Nancy’s brother Tom at St. Mary’s Lake. Shortly after arriving, Nancy took a cashier’s job on the Queen of the Islands; she loved her new life and made many friends among both crew and passengers. Nancy worked on several ships over the years, but always on the Long Harbour route, and her cheerful voice could be heard announcing the ports of call. She retired from BC Ferries in 1994 but continued to speak often of her fond memories of the ferries.

Nancy lived with her parents before building her own home on Lang’s Road; she loved her little sanctuary in the forest, until finally moving to Meadowbrook and then to Greenwoods as her health declined. Nancy was predeceased by her parents, her brother Tom and her younger sister Molly Klein and husband Wilf Klein. She had lifelong loving relationships with her sister-in-law Irene Wright, nieces Susie, Penny and Bridget, and nephews Hal, Alexander (Sandy) and Patrick, as well as their partners, children and grandchildren.

Nancy was actively involved in the Salt Spring community, and volunteered in the Public Library, the Lady Minto Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop and St Mark’s Anglican Church. She remained a dedicated member of the Anglican Church for her entire life. Nancy was a gentle, humorous, giving person, who made countless friends and left smiles on faces throughout her 94 years.

At Nancy’s request, a simple service will be held at All Saints by-the-Sea Anglican Church, 110 Park Drive, Ganges on 19 October 2024, at 1:30. Everyone is welcome. In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of Nancy’s favourite causes, such as the Salt Spring Island Public Library, the Lady Minto Hospital Auxiliary, or the Anglican Church.