Obituary of Nancy Elaine Purvis
Gently slipped away surrounded by her family at Brockville General Hospital on Tuesday, November 12, in her 78th year.
A tiny force of nature, Nancy was the backbone of her family, providing constant support to everyone around her. Beloved wife to Harry Purvis, she raised two wonderful sons Larrin John Purvis (Tracy) and John Harry Purvis (Julie), and was the proudest Nana to her three grandsons, Chase, Karson, and Arlen. She was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the next addition with John and Julie’s firstborn due in early 2025.
Predeceased by her parents, Keith and Doreen Warren, and one brother, Mervyn Andress Warren, Nancy will be deeply missed by her surviving siblings, Edward Warren (Bea), Mary Haussler (Ron), Karen Rind (Roy), Janice Dowd (Edward), and dear friend Pat Warren, as well as her brother-in-law Bill Purvis, her sister-in-law Diana Crozier (Bob) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A truly compassionate, uplifting and hard-working woman, Nancy worked within the educational system her entire career. Attending the Brockville Business College and later teaching others there, her career path took her to various schools within the community: Toniata, Lyn Public School, Pineview, St. Lawrence College, as well as Queen’s University. She had a keen interest in current events, charities, and sporting events, cheering on her family at baseball, hockey and soccer games. She enjoyed fun times at the cottage, camping, skiing, and day trips with friends and family. She worked behind the scenes to provide support for those in need, donating her time, money and food to help others.
Her meals were legendary – Nancy believed in the healing powers of a good casserole. She sent food far and wide, and everyone loved her for it. Jams, cookies, lasagna, pickles, all made with love. Her home was always a warm, welcoming hub of activity, conversation and laughs. Her twinkling eyes, sparkling laugh, big hugs and can-do attitude will leave a hole in the lives of all those who knew her.
According to Nancy’s wishes, the family will have a private family service to remember her. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.
Nancy supported many charities: MS, Canadian Cancer Society, CHEO, Brockville’s Warming Centre, SPCA – a donation to a cause close to your heart in her honour would be gratefully appreciated by the family.
Arrangements be entrusted to Barclay Funeral Home, 137 Pearl St., Brockville. Messages of condolences may be sent online at www.barclayfuneralhome.com
