Obituary of Nancy Kay Vermond

Nancy Vermond of St. Marys Ontario, passed from this earthly life at Stratford General Hospital on October 31, 2024, at the age of 82. Predeceased by her parents, Walter and Kathryn Hopkins, her brother Jerry Hopkins, her sister Patricia Burke, and first husband Harrison Simms, Nancy leaves behind her beloved husband, Louis, sister Judi Connolly, daughter Victoria Perry, sons Patrice Simms (Eleanore) and Seth Reidy (Katie), five grandchildren: Chris Perry, Asia and Julian Simms, Asher and June Sawyer-Reidy, and three great grandchildren, Jayden, Serai and Jevani Perry. She will also be missed by several nephews and nieces, as well as her Canadian family and many beloved friends.

Nancy lived her early years on a farm near Dayton, Ohio, where she loved exploring the forest. As an adult, she lived much of her life in coastal Maine before coming to Canada in 1996 to marry Louis. After moving to St. Marys from Toronto, Nancy and Louis started the St. Marys Storytelling Festival, and Nancy became a volunteer storyteller in the schools. She was active in the Stonetown Grans, a chapter of the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Cadzow Village Nature Day, and the Elder Circle. Her favourite activities included 5-Rhythms Dance, Azul movement, Japanese sumi-e painting, making greeting cards, and front yard gardening. She was grateful to have lived in the caring community of St. Marys.

Written by Nancy

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the ST. MARYS UNITED CHURCH, 85 Church St. S. St. Marys, on January 4, 2025 at 2pm. 

Click here to view a video of Nancy's service.

Nancy’s community spirit and love for nature touched so many lives. To reflect this, her family invites you to bring your stories to share, and a small memento from the outdoors—whether it’s a stone, leaf, greenery, or something that speaks to your connection with her. Let us come together to remember, laugh, and celebrate her journey with warmth, music and love. A reception will follow the service.

Memorial donations may be made to the

Friends of the St. Marys Public Library
P.O. Box 700

St. Marys, ON, N4X 1B4

or

St. Marys Healthcare Foundation
P.O. Box 940
St. Marys, ON N4X 1B6