Nadia Capewell
October 2, 2019
Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 in her 94th year. Beloved mother of Vivian Capewell (Jerry Lacina) of London, Christine Capewell (Tim Dillon) of Oakville and Jean Capewell (Dave Lewis) of Markham. Cherished grandmother of Mariel and Claire Lacina, Jake and Kyle Lewis, and Jennifer Dillon. Dear sister of Ljuba Mollmann of Denmark. Predeceased by her husband, Frank Capewell (2011) and her sister, Vera Glass of Brazil (2012). Nadia was born Nadezda Palanova in Hradec Králové, Czechoslovakia, near Prague. Her family moved to Recife, Brazil in September 1939. After finishing high school, Nadia obtained a filing job at the American military base in Recife. She moved to Rio De Janeiro in 1949 and held several jobs in military departments within the Joint Brazil-United States Military Commission. Nadia met her husband, Frank, a British Army veteran working in Rio, at a New Year’s Eve party. Their time in Rio gave them a love of the ocean and outdoors. They married and immigrated to Canada in 1953, landing in Montreal, followed by moves to Toronto, Guelph, Brantford and Chatham where they raised their family. Nadia taught English to immigrants from Czechoslovakia who arrived in the Chatham area in the late 1960s and became interested in teaching. She completed a BA in French and Spanish at the University of Windsor as well as a teaching certificate, teaching in Kent County for several years. Nadia and Frank enjoyed skiing and travel during which Nadia could practice the five languages she spoke fluently. They retired to London in 1983 where Nadia was a volunteer for over 20 years at Museum London in the Art Rental and Sales Gallery. Nadia had a long life full of adventure and our family was very lucky to hear all her stories from many places around the world. “Nana” will be remembered as a very sweet, very determined force with a quick wit, and will be greatly missed. A private service and interment will be held. A Celebration of Life will follow at a later date. We would like to extend our gratitude to all the clinicians and staff at the Heart Failure Clinic at St. Joseph’s Hospital for the outstanding care provided to Nadia over the past two years, and to the Cardiac Care Program at University Hospital for their excellent care and compassion. Donations in Nadia’s memory may be made to Doctors Without Borders or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
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Dear Capewell family, I am so sorry to learn of Nadia's passing. I remember her well from her volunteering days at Museum London. She was a lovely, elegant woman and fluent in at least four languages if not more and always interested in the exhibitions and programming that the Museum offered. On behalf of Museum London, please accept our deepest condolences. Sincerely, Cydna Mercer, Head of Administration
Heartfelt condolences to all of Nadia's loved ones. I met Nadia through volunteering with Art Rental at Museum London. She was a dedicated and hard working volunteer in charge of corporate accounts. I learned so much from her about all aspects of art rental. We became good friends. I have wonderful memories of our times together there as well as the scrabble games we played with my husband. She was a strong player who often won. I assure you we gave 100% to the game. My husband and I made two trips with Nadia to Florida. She was a great traveller and a joy to spend time with. She was a very special person.
Dear Vivian, Christine and Jean, My sisters (Bev and Barbara) and I were talking recently about the times our mother (Nita Ross who passed away last year) commuted with your mother to the University of Windsor when they were working on their Bachelor of Art degrees in the 1970's. Our mother loved those drives with Mrs. Capewell as she was such a warm person who had such interesting stories to tell. We send you all our deepest condolences.
(Donated to Doctors Without Borders)
(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada)
(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada)
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We send our sympathy to Nadia's family in this time of loss. I always enjoyed my contact with Nadia at our pool fitness classes and on other occasions . I enjoyed talking to Nadia about her history,her family and also about books , in which we shared an interest. A gracious lady , who will be missed. Lois Leatham ( Hazel Lanes)
~ Ms Lois Leatham and Dr. T.R. Balakrishnan