Passed away at the Perley Health in Ottawa after suffering for 11 years with Dementia. Nancy is survived by her husband of 55 years, the Hon. Paul DeVillers PC. LL.B., her 3 children Michael, Alan and Jocelyn and her only grandchild Jesse. Nancy is also survived by her brother Graham Knight and his children Casey, Jeff and Andrew. Nancy was predeceased by her parents Evelyn (née Jeffrey) and Harold Knight, and her brother Alan.
Nancy was a graduate of York University with both a Bachelor and a Master of Arts. She graduated from Teachers College and taught school in Ottawa and then in Simcoe County where she rose to the positions of Vice-Principal, Principal and for the last 5 years of her career as a Superintendent of Schools in Simcoe County.
As a youth Nancy spent many years as a camper and a counselor at Camp Mini-Yo-We. After returning to Ottawa from Simcoe County in retirement Nancy volunteered in the Cancer Unit of Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Nancy was very active in the Ottawa branch of the Canadian Federation of University Women becoming President of this organization before being stricken with Dementia.
The family wishes to acknowledge the professional and compassionate care provided by the staff on the Ottawa 2 East unit at the Perley for the more than 4 years she spent there.
Friends are invited to gather on Monday April 21, 2025 at the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa after 1:00p.m. Memorial Service will be held at 2:00p.m. followed by inurnment and a reception.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honour of Nancy may be made to the Perley Health - Professional Development Fund, to help support their dedicated staff or Plan International’s “Because I am a girl” Project.
Digital Guestbook
Tara Peet
Larry Arnold
I am very sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. She was a good neighbour and a very kind and generous person. I loved her laugh.
Jim and Sue Rooney
Paul, Michael, Alan and Jocelyn,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
The Rooneys
Laure
I'm sorry to hear of Jocelyn's mother's and Jesse's grandmother's passing. May her laughter continue to echo on this side of the veil and warm the hearts of her loved ones. My sympathies to her family and friends.
Delphina
My deepest condolences from my heart to yours Jocelyn, Jesse, and all your relations. May you find comfort in the memories of all the cherished moments you shared together. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Beatrice Keleher-Raffoul
So sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. My thoughts are with you and the family at this time. My sincere condolences.
Dianne Rummery
I knew Nancy as President of the Ottawa branch of the Canadian Federation of University Women. She was a superb leader with a personality that saw problems ahead and diminished them and had a kindness and compassion for members and was lots of fun: some members will recall the great AGM we attended in Newfoundland which concluded with a tour we all loved. Even when dementia emerged she was a gracious host when we visited.
Catherine Bélanger
My deepest sympathy and condolences to you Paul, and the family. I have lovely memories of Nancy, we enjoyed pleasant moments and adventures together as members of the Parliamentary and Liberal Spouses Associations. She was a great lady.
Louise Gervais
Chère Jocelyne, Dear Jesse,
Mes pensées sont toutes avec vous deux. Je sens aussi que c'est bon de la savoir enfin libre.
Love,
Louise
Brian and Connie St Amant
Deepest condolences to the family. She was always so kind caring.
One of many things I’ve always admired about Nancy is that she was always supportive of people who thought and acted ‘outside the box’…even though Joce & I tested that to the limit as kids! ☺️
She will also always be a hero of mine as she championed women’s & girls’ rights for as long as I knew her.
Nancy, you are loved and will be missed. ❤️