Nadine Chapman spent the first 16 years of her life as a "military brat," moving every two years to a new Canadian Forces base across the country of which she was so proud.
Even as a teenager, Nadine was enthusiastic about Canada. Celebrating Canada Day in Ottawa, where she completed high school, was a tradition, with red and white attire, singing O Canada at noon and watching the Snowbirds. Later in life, if she couldn't make it to Ottawa for Canada Day, celebrations continued at her home in Maple. She inspired her family and friends to be proud Canadians, too.
Nadine excelled at everything. She was a successful businesswoman, a graduate of the University of Toronto (BA, 1988) and McMaster University (MBA, 1990). Upon graduation, she married Rob Polese, her university beau, and commenced her career at Unitel Communications, curtailing it after a few years to raise their children, Colleen and Mark.
In May, 1999, Nadine collapsed while running. She suffered a grand mal seizure and was diagnosed with a brain tumour. A series of operations, chemotherapy and radiation began, all of which she faced with humour and dignity.
She was determined not to let the tumour define her, announcing categorically: "I am not the tumour."
And although she did not let it rule her life, it did, without her knowledge, demonstrate her courage and strength. In 2003, she decided she wanted to teach and returned to the University of Toronto to obtain her teaching degree. She began her teaching career the same week she began a round of chemotherapy.
Nadine had an infectious laugh, reflecting her irrepressible personality. She was adept at expressing an impassioned view that was well reasoned and articulate. She was smart, insightful and strong, and delighted in finding the weaknesses in an opinion adverse to hers.
Nadine had an incredible sense of fun. She held annual euchre parties, inviting friends both old and new to attend. She organized group trips to Winterlude and skating on the Rideau Canal, which became a yearly ritual.
She chaperoned her students on a school trip to Quebec City, duplicating her own high-school band trip from years before. She explored London repeatedly, walked the beaches of Vancouver Island, befriended strangers at the Fortress of Louisburg and hiked the Fundy Trail.
She was always an enthusiastic participant: Even if the activity was not her forte, she never sat on the sidelines.
She loved travelling and meeting new people, and had the ability to encourage and motivate others to join her in each new adventure. From our teenage years, we vowed we would celebrate our 40th birthdays in London. Had it been anyone but Nadine, it never would have happened. We waited an additional year until she was well enough and embarked one year ago. We danced and sang at musicals, sipped tea at Fortnum & Mason and shopped at Harrods.
Nadine never lost her energy or enthusiasm. She never lost her sense of humour or optimism. She was an inspiration. Even when she wasn't feeling well, she enlivened every discussion, offering advice, often unsolicited.
Most of all, she was passionate about, and proud of, her family. It was obvious in everything she said and did.
You always knew where you stood with Nadine. She ensured that her family and friends knew that they were important to her. I dearly miss her introducing me as her best friend, and I am fortunate she bestowed that title upon me.
Cynthia Benson was Nadine's best friend
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