Obituary of Nancy Hawley

Nancy Ruth Hawley December 8, 1956 - October 3, 2015 Missed by her husband Gus Sandusky, children Ester, Eli, Kathleen and James, grandchildren Lucas and Calen, mother Florence and siblings Jackie, Hugh, Lynda, Mary and James - and by very many friends. Nancy worked all her life to help others. Starting in her teens as a student activist, she discovered a talent for community organizing to improve people's lives. She started working for the Quakers and later worked and volunteered for a range of health care, civil and social sector agencies including La Leche League, the City of Toronto, St Michael's Hospital, St Joseph's Health Centre, East End Community Health Centre, Riverdale Hospital, Toronto East General Hospital, WoodGreen Community Services, PARC, Stop 103 and Neighbourhood Concepts. Nancy was nourished and replenished by the love of many people, and always felt a kinship with the people she helped. There are many in our city who live in homes and benefit from social programs that she helped develop, unaware of her hard work. Nancy fought AML leukemia for over two years, only reluctantly giving up her efforts to complete her final housing projects in the midst of difficult and painful treatments. Nancy was defined by her fearlessness, her fierce ethics, and her love of people. In her memory, please strike up a conversation with a stranger. Win a swearing contest. Show up on the doorstep of a struggling friend with a quiche. Attend a community meeting to ask an uncomfortable question. Translate your beliefs into action. A reception in her memory will be on Friday, October 9, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue). In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to WoodGreen Community Services. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.