Obituary of Nancy Elizabeth Dyer

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Nancy (Higgins) Dyer. Nancy passed away peacefully on July 22, 2022, at Markham Stouffville Hospital. She is survived by her husband, Bill, and her children: Mark (Marletha), Tim (Trisha), and Jennifer (Jason), as well as her 6 grandchildren: Daniel Dyer, Jakob and Ben Hutzul-Dyer, and Will, Rowan, and Georgia Hayes.  

Nancy was born on June 2, 1940, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Harold and Dorothy Higgins, and is survived by her sister Carol MacNeill, and brothers John and David Higgins, all of Halifax.

Nancy spent the first half of her life in Halifax, graduating from Mount St. Vincent University in 1960 with her Bachelor of Arts and in 1961 with her Bachelor of Education. She taught in elementary schools for several years before starting her family. In 1981, Nancy moved to Markham, Ontario and quickly found a home base in St. Patrick’s Parish, where she served on Parish Council, RCIA, and other committees. 

Never one to be too still for long, Nancy pursued her Master’s in Theology, graduating in 1987 from St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto. She then continued her teaching career at Sacred Heart CSS (Newmarket) from 1987-2001, teaching World Religions and counselling students as chaplain for several years. 

After retirement, Nancy lived the adage of giving back. She spent time volunteering with the St.Vincent de Paul society of St. Patrick’s Parish, the Ronald McDonald House at Markham Stouffville Hospital, and visiting seniors. 

She also enjoyed spending her retirement years gardening, taking long walks, and traveling with her husband. She enjoyed drives to Nova Scotia to visit friends and family and attending theatre in both Stratford and Niagara On-The-Lake. 

Nancy will be greatly missed by her many friends and family in both Halifax and Markham. 

Family and friends will be received at the DIXON-GARLAND FUNERAL HOME 166 Main Street North, Markham on Thursday July 28th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. The Celebration of Life will take place the following day at St. Patrick's Parish at 10:30am. The service will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend. A reception will follow back at the funeral home for a time of food and fellowship.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer Society.

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Funeral Livestream

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