Nichols
Gail Nichols was born on May 27, 1975 in Edmonton, Ab., to Tony and Shirley Nichols.
She was the third child in the family of four, and grew up on the family farm south of Castor.
Gail graduated from Gus Wetter High School in Castor in 1993.
She went on to get a certificate in esthetics at Marvel College and then took various courses in health care, mental health and wellness.
Gail worked in many different fields including retail, esthetics, social work and health care.
Her true passion was helping others and she found great fulfillment during her 10 years of employment as a Health Care Aide at Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital Extended Care.
Gail had a great love for the outdoors and created many lasting memories camping at the lake and chatting around the campfire with family and friends.
She was very thankful to also have had the opportunity to do some travelling and loved her trips she got to take to Scotland and Mexico.
Gail took a lot of pride in her recently purchased home. Her passion for plants and flowers in her yard was truly evident which was a trait passed down from her mother.
She loved the time that she got to work in the Castor flower shop with her lifetime friend Jennette Bonnaure, where her creativity for flower arranging showed through.
Family was also very important to Gail. She adored spending time with all her nieces and nephews and had a special relationship with each of them.
Gail was thrilled when Lynda’s youngest daughter, Leah was born on her 37th birthday. Leah will be forever proud of her middle name, in honour of her auntie.
Gail had a fond love of animals as well, especially cats. Throughout her life she always had a pet cat, or three. Her cats were her family, and she loved them dearly.
Gail was such a bright, kind and passionate woman who cared immensely for everyone around her.
She fought a courageous battle with brain cancer since January of 2013.
During this time she was cared for by an amazing group of healthcare professionals that treated her as both a patient and as a friend.
She passed away peacefully on Sun., Sept. 20 at Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital Extended Care in Castor, with her dad by her side.
Throughout her illness she showed amazing strength, quick wit, maintained great hope and continued with a positive outlook on life.
She was a true inspiration for all and taught us to appreciate the beauty in each day.
She leaves behind a tremendous legacy. We will remember the lessons she taught us for the rest of our lives.
Gail, no words can describe how much we miss you. You will never be forgotten, for we will forever carry your heart in our hearts.
Gail was predeceased by her mother Shirley in 2004; grandpa, John Delker; grandpa, Charles and grandma, Annie Nichols.
She leaves to mourn her passing: father, Tony Nichols (Claire Hillman); brother, Michael (Susan) and their children, Meaghan, Caitlyn, Brittney and Kristen; brother, Phillip (Laurie) Nichols and their children, Travis (Bailey) Nichols, Jenna Nichols (Kyle Dunstall) and their son, Mason Dunstall; sister, Lynda (Jarvis) Gamroth and their children, Easton, Barrett and Leah; Grandma Violet Delker; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other family and many special friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church on Sat., Sept. 26, 2015 at 1 p.m. with Father Don Ihekwoaba officiating.
Gail’s family and friends presented their gifts of music and memories to their loved one.
Gail was laid to rest in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Cemetery.
Family and friends gathered at the Castor Community Hall for a DVD slide presentation followed by a time of fellowship and refreshments by the CWL.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com Memorial donations may be made to Alberta Cancer Foundation or Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital Foundation c/o Parkview Funeral Chapels, Box 186, Castor, Ab T0C 0X0 who were entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. 403-882-3141.
Card of thanks
We wish to thank all the loving friends and family who made phone calls, sent cards, flowers and food at our time of loss.
Your many comforting visits and kind words were very much appreciated. We would also like to acknowledge Our Lady of Rosary Hospital Doctors and Staff for the compassionate care provided to Gail during her stay.
Thanks to all of the individuals who played a special role in the Funeral service as well as the CWL for the lunch.
Special thanks to Parkview Funeral Chapels for the professional attention to detail provided in making the arrangements.
We are truly blessed to live in a small community that really comes together in support during times of sorrow. Thank you for your generous financial contributions to the charities. All of us are very touched by your thoughtfulness.
The families of Gail Nichols
