It is with profound sadness that the family of Nancy McLennan announce her peaceful passing after a three year battle with ALS.
Nancy will be loved and remembered by her loving husband of twenty years, Sean McLennan–semicolon– their two young children: Calum and Lauren–semicolon– grandmother, Alide Foerster–semicolon– parents, Ried and Heidi Zittlau, sister Keri (Doug) McFarlane–semicolon– mother-in-law Maryann McLennan–semicolon– brother-in-law, Shane (Jessica) McLennan–semicolon– sister-in-law, Shannon (Todd) Shule–semicolon– nephew and nieces: Graeden, Sophie, Nina, Griffin, Kassidy, Kaitlyn–semicolon– and numerous relatives and friends.
Nancy was predeceased by her grandfather, Herbert Foerster–semicolon– and father-in-law Dennis McLennan.
Nancy will be remembered as a successful, energetic, and affable person who was passionate about her work, dedicated to her friends and family, and generous with her numerous volunteer activities throughout the community. Nancy treasured times with her friends and family. She was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
Nancy was born on Tuesday, November 7, 1972. She grew up in the Greenfield area and attended Greenfield Elementary School, Vernon Barford Junior High School, Harry Ainlay Composite High School, and then the University of Alberta. Throughout those formative years, Nancy excelled academically and routinely pursued extra learning experiences such as the International Baccalaureate Program, the Junior Achievement Program, and the Toastmasters Club.
School friends and neighbourhood friends were her delight. Dreaming up and staging shows in the back yard or in the basement was always on her agenda, as was building play houses and theatre stages from cardboard boxes, blankets, chairs and other scavenged materials.
Nancy married Sean McLennan on June 1, 1996. The couple made their first home in Strathcona, and then later in St. Albert, where Lauren was born in December 2004 and Calum in November 2006. In 2008, they moved to south-west Edmonton.
After completing her Bachelor of Commerce Degree (Accounting major) at the University of Alberta in 1994, Nancy first pursued her Chartered Accountant’s designation, followed by a Chartered Business Valuator designation in 2000. Her career began in Edmonton with KPMG where she worked in a variety of areas including audit, accounting, and business valuations. In April 2009, she joined the staff at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta as Director of Standards Enforcement for the CA profession.
As a leader, Nancy lent her talents to mentorship roles both in the workplace and in the community. The volunteer sector in Edmonton has benefited greatly from Nancy’s commitment and energy. Her involvement included a lengthy commitment to Junior Achievement both at the board level and as a program volunteer. She also served on the board of the Edmonton Women’s Shelter (WIN House) and volunteered with Kids Help Phone and the Junior League of Edmonton.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff of the ALS Society of Alberta, to the doctors, nurses, coordinators at the U of A ALS Clinic, and to the caregivers who supported and comforted Nancy during her difficult journey.
In lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of Nancy may be made to the ALS Society of Alberta.
Ear and Ruth Mansfield says
Dear Heidi and Ried – our heartfelt condolences on your tragic and untimely loss. ALS takes a terrible toll on all involved, both the sufferer and the loved ones standing vigil. It is a cruelty that no-one should have to endure. It is clear that your strength and compassion helped sustain Nancy through to the inevitable end. Earl and Ruth
Al & Bev Craig says
Dear Ried and Heidi
To all her family and especially to both of you on the loss of your beautiful daughter Nancy.
Laura Braun says
I am so sorry for your loss. My fondest memory of Nacy was during the countless New Years Eve”s that we all spent together as kids. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
All my love,
Laura
Gail Beck says
I never got to know Nancy very well, to my sorrow. To me Nancy really was Tuesday”s child and full of grace, demonstrating the epitome of “do unto others as you would have done unto you”. To the very end, she was a fighter. Thank you, Nancy.
Sean, Calum and Lauren – I wish there was an easier way to get through the days ahead. My condolences to you and your extended family.
Kristin Hillenbrand says
It is with our deepest condolences to you Heidi and Ried and to Nancy”s family. Although we didn”t know Nancy, she sounds like an amazing person and we are very sad for your loss. We know you will continue in your role to be great grandparents to her kids. Your neighbours, Kristin and Mark Hillenbrand
Omar Hamid says
Please accept our deepest condolence to you and your family at this time of loss. We are Nancy’s friends from CANJAC. We had the pleasure of working with Nancy for a number of years at the JA conference. She was a great JA and CANJAC volunteer and an awesome friend. Till this day at the conference we reminisce fondly of her infectious laugh and her amazing singing. She was always great with the students and always made the time to help any staff with questions. I will always remember her as my pranking buddy. We are all sadden by this news.
Regards,
Bonnie Smotkowicz says
Ried and Heidi … my sincere condolences … you will treasure memories of the good times you had with Nancy.
Susan Lynch (Therrien) says
Ried and Heidi, my thoughts are with you at this sad time. I hope that family and friends give you comfort at such a difficult time. Sue
Cory Everett says
Sean,
I am at a loss of words. Nancy, you and your family are very much on my mind and in my prayers. You and I met only once back in San Francisco when you accompanied Nancy to a CLEAR conference. While words don”t seem to come, there is no shortage of memories. While Nancy and I did not know each other very long, she was an fast friend and a true one. I very much admire her bright and fun-loving spirit (although I did lose a bet or two to her cunning skill!). I could laugh heartily with Nancy or relax and say nothing. When life wasn”t going so smoothly, she wouldn”t hesitate to dive deep into a conversation, showing her genuine interest and care for a friend. I often think of her and try to model my own friendships after her example.
What a blessing she is! Thank you so much for sharing her!
Cory Everett