Nancy Bially

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of Nancy Bially on April 10, 2026, at the age of 92, at the Vita Personal Care Home.

Nancy was born on September 18, 1933, in Vita, Manitoba. She grew up in the Tolstoi and Gardenton area, attending Border School and Purple Bank School. After a brief time working in Hamilton, Ontario, she returned to Winnipeg, where she was employed at Silverwood Dairies.

Nancy met Nestor at a dance in Gardenton, marking the beginning of their beautiful courtship. She married the love of her life at the age of 20 on October 10, 1953, and they shared 68 happy years together. Nancy and Nestor lived in Elgin and Ridgeville before purchasing a farm in May 1962 in Overstoneville, Manitoba, while Nestor was employed with CNR. There, they built their home and family life together, operating Bially’s General Store and Post Office.

A devoted wife and mother, Nancy balanced raising her young family while working as a store owner and postmistress. She also played an active role in the family’s cattle, grain and chicken farm. Nancy's greatest joy was being a Mom,raising her sons and guiding them to be caring, respectful, and hardworking. Her boundless energy, strong work ethic, and remarkable organizational skills were evident in all she did.

Nancy’s green thumb provided her family with an abundance of vegetables, and her flower gardens were always immaculate. Family and friends cherished her delicious Ukrainian meals and baking. Her sons would return home from school to the warmth of fresh, homemade treats. Nancy was also skilled in canning fruits and vegetables, making pickles, jams, perogies, pies,doughnuts,perishky,and cinnamon buns. She especially enjoyed picking and preserving Saskatoon berries.

Nancy volunteered selflessly and left a lasting impact on her community. She was a faithful lifetime member of the Tolstoi Holy Ghost Orthodox Church, where she served proudly, sang in the church choir, and participated in Ukrainian Christmas caroling. She was also dedicated to the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada, St. Olha Branch in Tolstoi, where she served as Treasurer. Her recipes, featured in the Association’s cookbook, continue to be cherished and enjoyed by many. Nancy also volunteered at the Tolstoi Hall and Community Centre, as well as the Overstoneville Independent Cemetery, reflecting her deep commitment to giving back.

Nancy’s creativity and talent shone through in her beautiful paintings of intricate Ukrainian Easter eggs, which she generously gifted to family and friends. She was also skilled in ceramics, paper tole, and sewing. She had beautiful cursive handwriting and never forgot to send a birthday card to those she loved.
Nancy and Nestor were active in their community and enjoyed attending social events, especially dancing to Ukrainian music and playing bingo. Family celebrations were very important to Nancy. She took great pride in attending her grandchildren’s Ukrainian dance recitals and sporting events, always cheering them on.

After Nestor’s passing, Nancy missed him dearly but found comfort in spending time with her sons and daughters-in-law, especially during visits and outings. She deeply loved and adored her sons, who were grateful to return that love by caring for her in her later years.

Nancy will be remembered for her unconditional love, her devotion to family and community, and her unwavering commitment to her values and strong work ethic.

Nancy will be lovingly remembered by her two sons, Jarvis (Vickie) and Donny (Liza); her six grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She will also be deeply missed by her niece Diane, with whom she shared a special bond. Nancy will be fondly remembered by her sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews from both the Dykun and Bially families.

Nancy was predeceased by her loving husband, Nestor, in 2022, as well as by her parents, Michael and Tetiana, and her three brothers and three sisters.

She will be forever missed and deeply loved.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Vita Personal Care Home for their exceptional care and compassion.

A private family service and memorial will be held at the Tolstoi Holy Ghost Orthodox Church, followed by interment at the Overstoneville Independent Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Overstoneville Independent Cemetery, c/o Mr. Brian Nedohin, 180 Poplar St., Morden, MB R6M 1H5.

"Rest in your Garden of Paradise, Mom and  Baba.
"Vichnaya Pam'yat- Memory Eternal.