Saturday December 21st, on the day of the returning of the light, Nancy Agnes (Tanner) Bauman-Wheeler passed away at the Chapman House Hospice in Owen Sound. Born to Allan and Maud Tanner, she is survived by her husband Norman Wheeler (predeceased by her first husband Robert Bauman and brothers Clarence and D’Arcy), her brother Bruce, children Christine Bauman (husband Patrick), Leslie Turcotte (husband Hank) and Jason Bauman (partner Shelley), her step-daughter Rebecca Sauve (husband Michael and children Benjamin and Elizabeth), her grandchildren Benjamin and Audrey Turcotte, Zachary Brown and predeceased by her granddaughter Brianna Bauman. Later in life, she was blessed with a close relationship with her dear neighbour Tracy Gibbons and daughter Claire who became like her fifth grandchild.
Although she contended with cancer for 6 months and endured the heartbreaking death of 17-year-old Bri, she continued to enjoy her garden, the birds outside her window and the family and friends she loved so dearly.
Born in Kitchener on June 26, 1937, she loved school but went to work at 16. Married in 1957, she raised her children with her husband Bob in Hanover. They travelled extensively, loved the casino, the cottage at Sauble, playing cards with friends and dancing to Elvis. As a mother, she was passionately involved in community events, the Legion and the Hanover Ballet and Tap Club. She worked in the post office and the Hanover Post. A dream came true when she could attend the University of Guelph to learn computer programming during a period when mature women did not do such things. She was hired by the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority and became the Financial Comptroller with a budget in the millions. She would have stayed on but in those days, retirement at 65 was mandatory. She then threw herself into her gardens and her grandchildren.
Bob died in 2003. Nancy connected with Norm Wheeler at the Kitchener Collegiate Institute during a high school reunion. After a whirlwind romance, and a bout of cancer that he supported her through, they married. She had many adventures with her new dance partner, the highlight being an African Safari and a balloon ride over the Serengetti.
Nancy’s thoughtfulness and love epitomize the essence of who she was.
Family and friends are invited to Visitation at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover on Monday, December 23, 2019 from 10 am until time of a Funeral Service at 11 am. Interment in Hanover Cemetery.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Chapman House or to the VON are appreciated by the family.