Phyllis J. Nicholson

(nee Edmondson)

On Saturday April 4, 2015, Phyllis J. Nicholson passed away peacefully, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Phyllis was predeceased by her beloved husband Phil and son Syd, who were waiting with open arms to greet her.

She will be lovingly remembered by her family; daughter Rhonda Calder; grandson Dean (Suzanne); great grandchildren  Logan, Kian, Evan; grandson Adam, great grandchildren Madison, Chase; granddaughter Raegan (Adam); great grandchildren Deacon, Lawson; daughter Bev (Larry) Dewis; grandson Jay (Julene)  great grandson Ritter; granddaughter Kelsey; son Scott (Terry) Nicholson; granddaughter Tara (Sherri) great granddaughter Rowan; granddaughter Jenna (Jeff) and  granddaughter Krista; brothers Stewart Edmondson (Grace) and Clayton Edmondson (Marie) and sister Faye Hooper (Jack) and many cousins and nieces and nephews.

Mom was born on Sept 28, 1934 in Oakville, Manitoba to Len and Barbara Edmondson. She was the third child of six in a very sports orientated family. Being born into this family helped shape the rest of her life.  An accomplished athlete herself, it's not surprising that she met the love of her life, Phil, at the ball diamonds.  Dad and Mom were married in 1953 and Dad's work with MTS took them all over rural Manitoba.  This is where they became parents to Rhonda, Bev, Scott, and Syd, who were each born in a different town. As the family moved from town to town, Mom made sure the family became a part of each community, which lead to long lasting friendships.

Whether it was her children, her grandchildren, other family members or volunteering with Sunset Palliative Care or Lions Prairie Manor, she was happiest when caring for others. She was kind of heart, always there to listen and always fair. This lead us to lovingly referring to her as "Phyllis Nightingale". Mom's compassionate nature didn't reduce her ability to have a strong competitive edge.  Her competitiveness came naturally as she walked the walk in her younger years, and talked the talk until her passing.  Her love for hockey, basketball, tennis, baseball and curling could be heard at many family gatherings.  Never one to turn down a challenge, Mom received a laptop from the family for her 75th birthday even though she had no previous computer experience.  She soon became comfortable with her laptop, and not to be outdone by the grandchildren, she decided she would upgrade to an iPad, only to conquer it with ease as well.  Mom used the internet to pass time, whether it was emailing, Facetiming, shopping, banking, Netflix, taking pictures, reading the latest news, playing games, or just googling everything which helped feed her thirst for learning.

Mom's biggest enjoyment was family, whether it was immediate or extended. Whatever the occasion; Dauphin beach, dance recitals, sporting events, or family reunions, Mom enjoyed it all. Another love of Mom's was ball. Mom was able to play competitive ball until her mid-sixties as well share her knowledge with others as a coach.

Mom's commitment to community showed with the many groups and organizations that she was involved with over the years.

Mom's smiling face warmed many a heart and the beauty of her soul showed through, so everyone became her friend.  Her welcoming personality led her to be warmly referred to, not only by family, but by many as "Nanny", especially if they loved her famous chocolate cake.

"Humour & laughter are important to me, so laugh often" - Mom/Nanny/GG

The family would like to thank Dr. Price for his ongoing care, and Dr. Omichinski. Also a special thank you to Donna Unrau and all the lovely Home Care ladies for their compassionate care in the last few months.  Thanks also to Owen and Paula McKenzie of McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.

In keeping with her wishes, a private family internment took place at Oakville Cemetery. A celebration of life tea was held on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at McKenzie United Church.

"My family was my North, my South, my East & West...What a wonderful life." - Mom/Nanny/GG.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Phyllis’ memory to the Sunset Palliative Care Inc, Box 92, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3B2 or to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba – Portage Office, 103 Wilkinson Crescent, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1A7.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. 204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com