Nancy Jane
Layton

(November 12, 1942 - January 12, 2025)

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Nancy Jane Layton, who departed this world peacefully with no regrets on January 12, 2025, at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal at the age of 82. Her journey, marked by both profound hardship and remarkable triumph, stands as a testament to the enduring strength and love of the human spirit.

Nancy was a woman of immense depth, love and spirituality, gifted from a young age with a beautiful voice and a natural talent for the piano, filling rooms with song. Music was more than a pastime; it was her sanctuary, her dream, and the wellspring of her courage and creativity. Though life led her down unexpected paths, the music within her was never silenced - it became the very foundation of her strength and healing; and her spirit and soul always carried the melodies she longed to share.

Nancy’s life was profoundly impacted by her time at the Allan Memorial Institute under Dr. Ewen Cameron at the young age of 18 - an experience that shaped much of her journey. Yet, through adversity, she found resilience and her voice. In the later years of her life, she became a bowel cancer survivor, and symbol of truth and advocacy - a force to be reckoned with. She was a beacon for survivors, courageously sharing her story and illuminating truths that had remained hidden for too long on an important chapter in Canadian History. Her voice amplified the need for accountability and offered solidarity and hope to countless individuals affected by similar injustices.  Her legacy will continue through the voices of those who carry it forward.

She was the daughter of the late John Coventry Layton and the late Ella Bertha (Bertha Elvira) Geil of Montreal, a loving sister to the late Mary Louise Layton of Toronto, and a descendant of Canadian pioneers. Nancy is survived by her daughter, Angela (George), and her cherished grandchildren, Daniel and Klara. Angela’s unwavering love and advocacy ensured that Nancy’s story was heard and that she received the dignity she always deserved.  She was a loving mother/grand-mother and a loyal friend.  A special thanks to everyone who loved, helped, healed, guided and supported Nancy throughout her life.

A Memorial Service to honour Nancy’s life will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at: Urgel Bourgie / Athos Funeral Home, 1255 Beaumont Ave, Mount Royal, Quebec H3P 0A1

1 PM to 3 PM: Visitation (close family and friends)

3 to 4 PM: Visitation (public)

4 PM: Memorial Service

5:30 PM: Reception

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to local organizations that support mental health advocacy (AMI-Québec, Friends for Mental Health, and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)) and survivors of historical injustices.

Like the delicate and resilient forget-me-not flower, Nancy’s memory will continue to bloom in the hearts of all who were touched by her story, her singing, and her music – a lasting symbol of love, remembrance, and the indomitable human spirit.