Montgomery, Nancy Maurine (nee Wilkins)
January 22, 1938 – June 21, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Nancy Maurine Montgomery, peacefully in her home at Orchard View Gardens in Almonte, on June 21, 2025 at the age of 87. Beloved wife of the late Willis Montgomery. Dear daughter of the late Wallace and Jean Wilkins of North Augusta. Cherished mother of daughters Carol (Hector) of Kanata and Heather (Jorge) of Almonte. Loving Grammy to Celia (Stuart), Benjamin (Maria), Isabel (Zachary), and Elisa. Special Great Grammy to Amelia and Angela. Dear sister of the late John Wilkins.
Nancy began her teaching career at the young age of 17, which eventually led her to Pittston where she met and married Willis. Together they settled at the Montgomery family farm where they spent many happy years raising their daughters, before retiring to their home in Maynard. Her later years brought her to the Ottawa area, first Kanata and then Almonte, where she could be closer to her growing family.
She was always happiest hosting her family around a dinner table. She was famous for her festive turkey dinners, her dedicated record keeping of family history, her joy in holding a newborn baby, her well-timed quips, her fascination with birds and weather, and her love of bringing her family together.
She was always ready and willing to get down on the floor with her grandkids and play along with new toys, listen to their stories, or gather them around her to read a storybook aloud. At any school play, recital, graduation, soccer game, or even impromptu living room performance, Grammy was always in the front row, ready to cheer them on with an enthusiastic, “Well done, Sweetheart!” With Grammy, no achievement was ever too small to celebrate, and no milestone would ever be missed.
She dedicated many years of her life lovingly caring for others, including her students, her daughters, her aging father, aunt and in-laws, as well as friends and neighbours in need. Of special mention was her unwavering commitment to Willis, who lived for 17 years with a traumatic brain injury. She tirelessly advocated for his needs, in her quiet but determined way, ensuring he received the best possible care, therapies, and opportunities to thrive. Her loving dedication not only had a profound impact on his wellbeing, but on the wellbeing of her whole family.
A memorial service will be held at Hulse, Playfair & McGarry in Kemptville at 2:00 pm on July 4, with visitation starting at 1:00 pm. Private family burial at Shanly Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Breast Cancer Canada in her memory.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ray and the wonderful staff at Orchard View Gardens in Almonte for their exceptional care and kindness.
