Nancy Bligh
BLIGH, Nancy – It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Nancy Bailey Bligh on Mar. 28th, 2026, just shy of her 91st birthday. She was predeceased by her husband John, just 4 months ago.
Nancy and John’s bond was so strong, and with his passing, her days were less bright without his visits. They were a team. One being without the other was not the way it was to be.
Professor Nancy Bailey-Bligh was a cherished member of the University of Guelph community and the Department of English. It was there she met Professor John Bligh, who, when he joined the University, he had an office opposite of hers. For 30 years she inspired generations of students through her teaching of American, Canadian, and women’s literature until her retirement in 1995. In recognition of her excellence in teaching the faculty established the Nancy Bailey Graduate Teaching Prize in her honour.
She was an active member of the campus community, holding seats in the Senate and the 1981 addressing graduates of the College of Art at Convocation. In her remarks, she urged the graduates to maintain their interest in culture and shared “How much you will achieve will depend not only on the facts, the skills, the habits of reflective and analytic thought implanted in your minds, but also on the human principles of co-operation and kindness that you carry in your heart.”
This is how Nancy lived her life She loved to learn others story. Nancy could walk into a room of strangers and be friends when she left. It was her gift.
Nancy was defined by deep and abiding friendships. A natural host, she welcomed loved ones into a warm, art-filled home that served as a sanctuary for creative and wide-ranging conversation. Those who gathered at her table or sat by her fireplace will long remember her wit and spirit and the effortless grace with which she entertained.
After Nancy retired from teaching, she became a dedicated volunteer at the Art Gallery of Guelph (formerly MacDonald Stewart Art Center). She chaired the volunteer committee for more than 15 years.
She was instrumental in initiating the popular volunteer fundraiser Gardenscapes, that gave the public an opportunity to view local gardens.
Nancy also supported educational programming at the gallery. She and John sponsored many art acquisitions for the collection and for the sculpture park.
Beyond her remarkable abilities as a friend, philanthropist and lecturer, Nancy was a Canadian Literature scholar. During the 1960s and 70s as a young academic, Nancy generated a remarkable analysis underpinned by feminist theory of the relationships between Carl Jung’s concepts and the work of Canadian women writers, with a particular focus on Margaret Laurence’s Manawaka series.
Some of Nancy’s fondest memories were with her time with her parents in Vineland and time spent at the family cottage enjoying all that nature would bring. She spoke of these times fondly.
The Melichercik family along with her UK family are saddened with her loss so soon after John. Our lives feel empty without her presence, but are comforted by the thought of her no longer being without her John. She would have been sad to hear that only two days after her death, her dear sister-in-law Mary (John’s sister) passed away as well in the UK. An end to a generation in a short time span. We grieve with their family too.
Nancy’s final years were spent in Highview Residence in KW. Nancy’s care was impeccable. The staff treated her with respect and genuine kindness. They loved her gentle ways and smile. They cared for her in her final moments tenderly.
On her request there will be no funeral, and she and John will be buried together at the Bailey Family Plot in Maple Ridge Cemetery in Chesterville, Ontario later this year.
To honor Nancy’s memory, reach out to those you care for. Enjoy an afternoon tea or lunch and socialize in the way Nancy would. Remembering the example, she set for us all to live life well, caring and supporting those around you.
Donations may be made to Hospice Wellington, or The Children’s Foundation Guelph in Nancy’s memory.
Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
A tree will be planted in memory of Nancy Bligh in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.