With heavy hearts, we share the sudden passing of Nancy Isobel Nicholls, 76, on Monday, February 23, 2026, at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto. Born in Oshawa, Nancy spent most of her adult life in the city she proudly called home, Toronto. She was predeceased by her parents, Allan and Elizabeth (Normoyle) Nicholls, her sister, Ruth, her brother, John, and her nephew Andrew. She will be deeply missed by her sister-in-law Margaret; her niece Alison and her husband Ian Dunn and their children Abigail and Henry; her niece-in-law Heather; the Normoyle and Nicholls families; and her many dear friends, colleagues, and former students.
Nancy graduated from York University in 1972 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts and completed her Master of Social Work at the University of British Columbia in 1974.
Nancy devoted the first 17 years of her career to social work, guiding and supporting individuals navigating complex challenges. In the second half of her professional life, she followed the path shared by her sister and brother and moved into education. For 22 years, she served as a faculty member in the Social Service Worker Program at Centennial College, where her knowledge, insight and support for her students left a lasting influence on many she taught.
Nancy engaged fully in life. She loved movies, theatre, books, music, and sports – especially her beloved Toronto Blue Jays. She travelled all over the world, exploring new places with family and close friends. She was also a proud and dedicated member on the Board of the Liberal Party for University-Rosedale. Known for her kind-hearted and positive spirit, she met even life’s most difficult challenges with great resilience. Her strong social connections, unending optimism and unwavering faith enabled her to embrace life wholeheartedly.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amnesty International Canada, Doctors Without Borders or a charity of your choice.
A Funeral Mass followed by a reception will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 520 Sherbourne Street, Toronto.
