Obituary of Nancy Graham Whitehead

September 17, 1927 – Toronto, Alberta
March 23, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Nancy Whitehead, beloved wife of Roderick Whitehead of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the age of 95 years. 

Nan was predeceased by her husband Rod. Nan is survived by her children, Micheal (wife Debbie) Whitehead, and Peter Whitehead (husband Jeff Goth); grandchildren Trevor Whitehead, Lauren Whitehead, Amanda Browne (husband Dara Browne), and her great-granddaughter Lyra Browne.

Nan was born in Toronto, and attended The Lightbourn School and the Ontario College of Art. She applied her passion for art in all that she did. She married Rod December 4, 1953, and in 1956 they moved west, to Calgary Alberta. Nan spent much of her life following her passions of cooking, reading, traveling, design, skiing, and later in, life swimming and practicing yoga. Of all her passions, the cottage at Premier Lake tops the list, this was the families labour of love. She loved wildflowers and often had them beautifully arranged in the cabins. Nan never missed afternoon tea and cookies. Her favourite guests for tea where always her grandchildren. Nan learned to row on a single skull on Premier in her 60’s after seeing the Olympics. Nan will be remembered for making those around her feel special, and for making every outing a beautiful adventure. Nan was also very involved in Christ Church. The church meant a lot to both Rod and Nan. 

Nan was cared for by the loving team of caregivers at Cedar Villas Care Home for the last three years as she struggled with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Administrative Office, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 4K1. Tel: (1-866) 950-5465, www.alzheimer.ab.ca

Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Nan Whitehead, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.