Nancy Ham

HAM, Nancy Doreen R.N.
(née Robinson)
February 15, 1923 - March 20, 2014

On Thursday, March 20th, surrounded by family, Nancy Doreen Ham (Robinson) passed away peacefully after a long illness. Nancy is bereaved by: her husband Jim; Deborah (Dave) of Oliver; BC; Liz of Ottawa; Alan (Patricia) of North Gower; Linda (Paul) of Iqaluit, NU; "4th daughter" Nancy Barry (Alain) of Ottawa; Nancy McGregor (her namesake) of Ottawa; and Grandchildren: Katherine; James (Koryn); Jennifer; Jeremy; Kira; Anika; and Jason. She is survived and lovingly missed by: sister Mabel Panton of New Westminster, BC; sister-in-law Marguerite Martin of Fergus, Ont., and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Molly Norman. Nancy was born in Ottawa in 1923, and spent her preteen years at Hopewell Public School and Glebe Collegiate Institute. The family moved to Toronto in 1937, where Nancy continued her schooling at Jarvis Collegiate, graduating with her Senior Matriculation in 1942. Following her mother's tradition, Nancy entered nursing and graduated from Toronto General Hospital with the coveted diploma, pin, and designation R.N. in 1945. After graduation, as a challenge, she accepted a three-year contract with the United Church Missionary Hospital at Manning, Alberta. From 1948 to 1952, she worked at Sunnybrook Veteran's Hospital, Toronto. In 1950, she married James Alan Ham, whom she had known since childhood. Jim was a Flight Lieutenant in the R.C.A.F. For the next 20 years, the family lived at various R.C.A.F. stations in Ontario, culminating with a three year (1965-1968) European posting in France and Germany. On returning to Canada, Nancy worked at the Ottawa Civic Hospital as a part-time R.N. and officially retired in 1985. Nancy and Jim loved travelling, and following their retirements, they chose a different major destination to visit each year for the next twenty years. Thanks very much to the kind and wonderful staff at Park Place, with very special thanks to Samina, and at the Ottawa Civic Hospital. At her request, Nancy was cremated. Friends may visit at the Westboro chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 403 Richmond Rd on Thursday, March 27th, from 7-9 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 29th at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Society of Ottawa or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Condolences, tributes or donations may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com.