Nancy Jeanne Leblanc-Downs passed away on December 23rd at the age of 70, surrounded by the love and care of her three children.

Nancy was born in 1952 in Whitehorse, Yukon. As a child in a military family, she moved around often, but ultimately set down roots in Cape Breton where her three children were raised and her closest friendships were formed. Life then took her to Florida and Illinois with her husband Patrick for several years before returning home to Nova Scotia in 2012.

Nancy had a true eye for design and beauty and effortlessly created it out of thin air. Everything creative came naturally to her, whether it was sewing clothing for her kids and grandkids, knitting, gardening, cooking, or working on DIY projects like furniture restoration and re-upholstering. While she took a gentle approach to everything she created, she was never scared to speak up and stand up for her beliefs. She was proud to be known as a fierce feminist and ally to the LGBTQ community.

More than anything else, Nancy was the beloved grandmother "Cecey" to her four adored grandchildren Madison, Isabella, Ruby, and Frida. Right up to her final days, she was focused on making sure they felt special and loved.

Nancy is survived by her grandchildren, her three children Megan, Laurel and Adrian MacLeod, her husband Patrick Downs, siblings Susan and Michele, as well as her nieces, nephews and friends. She is predeceased by her parents George and Dorothy (née Harding) LeBlanc, her brother Terry, and her dearest friend Carolyn 'Candy' Mudge.

There is no memorial service planned at this time.