Nancy is New Zealand born but grew up in Prince Albert Saskatchewan and Quesnel British Columbia. Nancy and her husband Ray chose Port Coquitlam to live and raise their family thirty years ago. They have four children - Katrina, Monica (Andrew Murphy), Jackie, Bill and two grandchildren. The “McCurrach” family are well known in the community for their involvement in highland dancing, softball, hockey, lacrosse, (Katrina) 2022 Volunteer of the Year PoCo Saints Lacrosse, (Jackie) Big Brother Canada 5, and (Monica) as a social media instagram influencer Monica__Murphy.

Nancy is a people person. Her long-standing career in customer service with TELUS showcased her people skills. Her career was very rewarding and spanned over 31 years with her last position being in the Loyalty and Retention Department. Nancy has extensive experience resolving complicated situations and turning them into positive solutions. Nancy was previously elected president of the TWU Local 51 mobility for five years before the union’s merger with the USW. She was the coordinator for the annual worksite Pink Shirt Day campaign at TELUS Mobility spanning over 10 years. This campaign collectively raised over $10,000 that was subsequently donated to anti-bullying causes like the Amanda Todd Legacy Society. In 2021, she was recognized with a TELUS Legend Award – the highest recognition a TELUS team member can achieve. This was due to Nancy’s extraordinary contributions to her customers, the business, her teams and her community. 

Also in 2021, Nancy received the United Way of the Lower Mainland Labour Community Service Award presented by the New Westminster and District Labour Council for recognizing her efforts as a City Councillor in regard to gender equity. Nancy was the driving force behind free menstrual dispensers in civic washroom in Port Coquitlam and for spear heading a resolution that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities adopted on Period Poverty. Because of this the Federal Government will be financing 25 million dollars towards a task force on period poverty so that products will now be available to our most vulnerable Canadians. 

In 2017, Nancy was named Port Coquitlam Volunteer of the Year in the category of Safety and Caring, and the recipient of the prestigious United Steelworkers International Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service as a Community Champion and a Certificate of Excellence for Community Service from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for helping the most vulnerable newcomers to Canada in the Tri-Cities. Nancy subsequently founded a scholarship called the Spread Your Wings award for new refugee and immigrant women to the Tri-Cities. This is now a yearly award with the Soroptimist International of the Tri-Cities.

Nancy has served the city in a number of important roles

• Council Designate: Arts & Culture, Heritage
• City Representative: Environment and Climate Action 
• Council Designate: Youth & Seniors
• City Representative: Wilson Seniors Advisory Board 
• City Representative: Board Director E-Comm 9-1-1 (Cities of Burnaby, New West, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, Village of Belcarra)
• City Representative: Board Member Fraser Valley Regional Library
• City Representative: Coquitlam River Watershed Roundtable
• City Representative: Tri-Cities Homelessness & Housing Task Force • City Representative: School District 43 Mental Health Task Force
• City Representative: Port Coquitlam Arts Council                 

Nancy attended UBC where she studied Art & Physical Education in the Faculty of Education Program. Previously, Nancy trained in Shotokan Karate for fourteen years and earned the rank of 2nd-degree black belt. Nancy’s interest in karate was fuelled by a stranger attack in her late twenties and encouragement from her older brother. Through karate Nancy learned how important it is to always be aware of your surroundings. Her training ignited a fighting spirit and confidence that is evident in any boardroom. Her passion on issues that matter and confidence is what enables her to advocate for the people in our community.

Nancy is a passionate advocate for organ and tissue donations. Being a four-time cornea transplant recipient due to a rare eye condition called keratoconus she has firsthand experience how life changing donations are. Nancy can identify with the frustration and depression associated with the long waits for any organ or tissue donation because she has been on this journey herself with four cornea transplants.

Nancy gained a lifelong respect for fishing, Canadian wilderness, kayaking and camping in remote areas of BC from her late father. He was a great inspiration and an avid outdoorsman. Previously, she was employed as a tree planter, BC Parks Branch another summer, labourer at a plywood plant and as a florist. She enjoys fishing, riding her E-bike, photography, water running and spin classes at Hyde Creek Community Centre and spending time with her family.

Nancy continues to be an avid volunteer in her community never shying away from an opportunity to help where she can. This same dedication, compassion and enthusiasm is evident in her role as an effective city councillor.