Nancy Burt Obituary
Born in Toronto to Sue and Johnny Burt (both predeceased), she was shown love in a home that valued empathy, acceptance and creativity. Sue was cofounder of the Toronto Distress Centre and 24-hour helpline, which earned her the Governor-General's Award. Johnny was a well-known arranger, composer and pianist.
Nancy is remembered for her big heart and generous spirit, her love of life and unfaltering ability to truck on with tact when times were tough. With open arms, Nancy's home was a safe space where she welcomed all who entered with love and kindness, including Jenny's friends over the years. She was an incredible role model, teaching her daughter and many mentees about compassion, philanthropy, self-respect and a positive work ethic. Nancy had a long and exciting career, starting in journalism, where she became the first female news director in Canada. Her most rewarding work, however, was at Humber College, where she made a positive difference in the lives of many, helping students to build their skills, graduate and find meaningful employment. She worked to improve the quality assurance of the institution, while building lifelong friendships with her Humber family.
An avid reader, writer and lover of music, she has left a legacy of intellect, thoughtful conversations, wonderful memories and a crossword or two behind. A true lover of nature and gardening, Nancy was happiest by the lake at her family cottage, walking and swimming, and enjoying quality time with her cottage family. We know her spirit will shine brightly there. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kensington Hospice (kensingtonhealth.org/hospice), or to the Kawartha Conservation (kawarthaconservation.com).
A celebration of life will take place at Humber College, North Campus, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with more details to follow.
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11 Entries
Cathy Bidini
June 17, 2024
I am very sad to hear this news. Nancy was the first person I met at Humber when I began my academic career in 1999. Her warmth and passion for both faculty and student success was very inspiring. I considered her my mentor, as she consistently offered me support and encouragement, leaving a lasting impact on me and countless others. My heart goes out to her whole family, especially her daughter who she spoke of with such pride and love. She was truly exceptional!
Grace Whitelaw Ferrier
June 12, 2024
Our families had cottages next to each other and we became great friends over the years and our two children, Jay and Jenny, are to this day good friends and now they have the same cottages next to each other. Nancy was a fantastic individual, kind, loving, interesting and supportive with a beautiful heart. She will be truly missed, but she lives on in our hearts and also in her amazing daughter, Jenny.
Grace Whitelaw Ferrier
Barbara Elliott
June 12, 2024
Nancy and I connected in several ways. She was one of the first people I got to know when I started at Humber. She gave me guidance - such as how to find a classroom, or where's the best place to grab a bite at Humber.
Our second connection was cottages - Nancy on Balsam Lake and me on Sturgeon. We'd run into each other over the summers. We both loved our family cottages and shared a strong affection for the country area where we lived most of our lives in the summer.
Our third connection was homes. After my husband passed, I wanted to move to another house. My realtor and I were standing in front of a house when I heard "buy that house, you'll love the area". I turned around and it was Nancy and Jenny out for a walk. I bought the house and we lived about 8 houses apart for several years.
She was very generous - for many years, she invited several people from Humber and others over on Christmas Eve. It was a great way to celebrate together, exchange some small gifts and generally welcome in the season.
She was close to her students, helpful in finding placements and ultimately jobs. Devoted to her family and friends. We will all miss her.
Barb Elliott
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Marlene Hesse
May 24, 2024
Nancy is my younger sister so my memories go back a very long way. I recall the day she and our mom arrived home after her birth and all of the excitement around that event. As young children we began sharing a bedroom which continued until my late teens.
We always chatted about personal issues especially as we grew older. I remember so many secrets and "in jokes' that no one else would have understood. Many of these carried on into adulthood. In our early adult years Guy and I spent many fun times with Nancy and Jim Hickman.
Over the years we shared many losses of family members, father, mother, grandparents and older brother. We always felt grateful to have each other.
I have always been so proud of Nancy's achievements in her career and as a loving devoted mother. She raised a beautiful, intelligent and loving daughter, Jenny, of whom we are all very proud.
Nancy, I will miss you forever "kid" and all that we shared over the years.
God bless you always
May you rest in peace
I love you Nance,
Marlene "Mar" Hesse
Angelo Crupi
May 21, 2024
Nancy Burt lead me through my first program review. I was new in the job, and the prospect of a program review was daunting. Nancy made every interaction a pleasure. She guided me through the process with professionalism and empathy. Every time I would see Nancy after that, we would have a wonderful conversation about whatever it was that was occupying's our attention at that moment in time. It may have been work, family, friends, or our own personal successes or challenges. Nancy was a delight to chat with. She would light up the room. I will miss her.
Andrew Scott
May 13, 2024
I am really sorry to have received this news. I liked Nancy a lot and knew her to be a very smart and insightful person on issues pertaining to music, journalism, writing, academics, and I'm sure a whole lot more. Professionally she was one of the driving forces behind turning the Humber College music diploma program into a 4-year Bachelor Degree, and I worked with her on many successful consent renewals and program reviews at the college, which were always fruitful and benefitted from her careful consideration and contributions. I really liked these opportunities to work with Nancy because while we worked hard and got things accomplished, we always made time to talk about her dad and his great Toronto musical bands of yesteryear, her love of music, books, politics, her family etc. She was a great colleague and I will miss her.
Rhonda Harrison
May 8, 2024
Nancy was a wonderful friend who I was fortunate to meet, chat and laugh with throughout the years. Her compassion and demeanor always provided those around her with comfort when they most needed it. She will be missed by so many. My condolences to her family, may the memories provide comfort this difficult time. - Rhonda
Nelia Louro
May 7, 2024
Nancy had the kindest heart and will be missed by many. I loved working with her throughout the 24 years I got to know her. Rest in Peace Nancy. My condolences to her family who she loved so dearly. Love her colleague and friend Nelia Louro
Jane Cameron
May 5, 2024
I worked with Nancy for a number of years and I really enjoyed our conversations about family and dreams. Here is a photo taken November 2013 at a Humber function. My condolences to her family and my she rest in peace. Jane.
Susan Xu and John Zhang
May 4, 2024
The special moment we shared with Nancy Burt was when we became the new residents in the cottage by the lake in 2020, Nancy was the first one with her daughter and son-in-law to visit us with beautiful flowers and big smile. Instantly we felt the warmth and love from her and the neighbourhood. She will always be cherished. Our heartfelt condolences to her and her family !
From Susan and John
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