Obituary of Doreen Nicholls

NICHOLLS: Ruth 'Doreen' Nicholls, (nee Parker) of Brandon, passed away at Rideau Park Personal Care Home on August 11, 2011, at the age of 83. Doreen was born May 5, 1928, at Rivers Manitoba; the youngest of 11 children of Walter and Sophia Parker. After leaving school, she began work at Brandon General Hospital, at the Rivers Training Centre, and again at Brandon Hospital. Doreen and Jim Nicholls were married in 1947. They had two children, Cheryl and Bill. They lived in Brandon and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Doreen and Bill returned to Brandon and Doreen took up an active life of volunteering, helping and supporting other seniors, and competitive bowling. She provided full time care to Bill's two boys, worked with the Auxiliary of the A.N.A.F., and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and on the residents committee at Grand Valley Place. An avid sports fan, she loved wrestling, hockey, curling and baseball, reading, and a good game of cards. She turned out beautiful baked goods in her tiny kitchen. She spent her final years at Rideau Park Personal Care Home; where she received meticulous and loving care. Doreen is lovingly remembered by her daughter Cheryl (Howard) Love, son Bill (Jane) Nicholls, grandchildren Keith (Valyne Craig) Nicholls, Debbie (Jerry) Lesage, Andrew and Anthony Wright, six great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are her sister Vera Burchell, and best friend and sister-in-law Rowena Lelond. Doreen was predeceased by her parents, nine siblings, Jim Nicholls, and grandson Kevin Nicholls. A Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, August 17, at Brockie Donovan Funeral Chapel, with Arlene Robertson officiating. All attending were considered honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st St., Brandon, MB, R7A 2W8.