(May 10th, 1941 – April 18th, 2026)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Nancy Jean (Smith) Delabbio.
Predeceased by her parents, Nola and Austin Smith, and her sister, Lynda Forrester. Nancy leaves behind her loving sister Marylee Skurdelis, her husband Fred, and her sons, who meant the world to her: Fred (Annie), Shawn (Michelle), and Anthony (Carla). Nancy or “Crazy Granny” as she was known to some, was a proud and devoted grandmother to: Isabelle, Christopher, Marina, Matthew, Sarah, Fia, and Dawson. She loved each of them deeply in her special way.
Nancy lived a life centered around helping and educating others. This included many years in elementary education with the Sudbury Board of Education and later as a Professor at Cambrian College. With her B.Sc., B.Ed., and Specialist in Special Education that she completed while working and raising a family. She had a true gift for helping students feel empowered, supported, and capable.
Her passion for helping others didn’t stop there. Nancy was proactive in organizing chapters of the Thyroid Foundation of Canada in Sudbury, Winnipeg, and Calgary. This also included travelling across the country sharing her story and encouraging others as a motivational speaker at Thyroid conferences.
She gave her time generously, serving as President of CFUW Sudbury and supporting initiatives like Celebrate Women, bringing authors to the community, and Adopt-a-Family. She quietly and consistently supported breakfast programs, winter clothing drives, and food banks, always looking for ways to make life a little easier for others.
Nancy also knew how to enjoy life. She loved to travel and made a point of connecting with friends and family wherever she went. At home, she found happiness in simple, meaningful things, reading, watercolour painting, refinishing furniture, and tracing family roots through genealogy. She even wrote a special education workbook and a compilation book of her mother’s lifelong writings.
Her family will always remember the warmth of her kitchen, especially her cinnamon swirls, various wild berry jams and preservatives, Christmas candy, and the way she brought people together. She loved to sing in choirs, play cards, take in concerts and plays, spend time at camp with family and friends, and always happiest when surrounded by others.
More than anything, Nancy will be remembered for her kindness, ability to tackle challenges, and to tell stories. She was a truly beautiful person, inside and out, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
We extend our gratitude to the fantastic support from Lively Meadowbrook, the medical teams of HSN, Cancer Center, and McCulloch Hospice. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Maison McCulloch Hospice will be appreciated.