85, Whitney Pier
On Sunday, March 17, 2013, God welcomed home his angel, our most prized possession, our rock, our mother, Anna Vera Nichols. She passed on her late husband’s birthday, Walter (Dick) Nichols.
Her faith in prayer held her strong. She faced every challenge and hardship with dignity.
Mom loved unconditionally. She loved family gatherings, music, her rosary, bingo, playing darts with her children, laughing and she especially enjoyed going to the casino with her baby girl, Carmie. She adored her many grandchildren as well as her many great-grandchildren. She was so proud of them all.
Mom was born in New Waterford, and as a girl loved to dance and play basketball. At the age of 21, she married and moved to Whitney Pier where she lived for the rest of her life.
She worked at the Five & Ten and for many years at the Steel Plant. She travelled to Florida and always talked about how beautiful Bush Gardens was. She also travelled to southern California to her granddaughter’s wedding.
Mom is survived by her children, Daniel ‘Nicky’ (Anna) Sinclair, Anna ‘Sookie’ (David) LeBlanc, Priscella ‘Cella’ Duffy, Margaret ‘Sister’ (Paul) MacAdam, Barbara (Stewart) Zahara, Walter (Debbie) Nichols and Carmella ‘Carmie’ (Duncan) Gillis; sister, Florence ‘Missie’ MacIssac and former daughter-in-law, Kathy Steele.
She was preceded by her husband, Walter ‘Dick’ Nichols; brothers, Donnie, George, Myles, Charlie and Raymond ‘Mouse’ Sinclair; sisters, Thelma Noble and Margaret MacNeil; sons-in-law, Jack Smith and Jim Duffy; and her parents, Hardy and Priscilla Sinclair.
Visitation for the late Anna Vera Nichols will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) on Wednesday, March 20, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrate on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at 11 a.m. in Holy Redeemer Church with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Following the mass, reception will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home. A private family burial will take place at a later date in Alfred E. Smith Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Donations in memory of Mom may be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County.
Our sincere thanks to everyone who visited mom, brought food, or just came to sit. Special thanks to Stephen and Maureen who drove from Toronto to see her. Thank you to Beth Latham, your kindness and support was invaluable. Thank you to the VONs who treated her with respect and dignity. Most of all, thank you Mom for sharing a lifetime of unconditional love, tremendous beauty, graciousness and most of all your unmatchable sense of humour. We will love you forever and ever.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
To The Family of the Late Vera Nicols. Please accept my sympathy on the loss of your Mom. I remember running in to your mom’s house to use the bathroom or for a drink of water while attending ballgames games at the Pier ball field and she was always so friendly and good for a chat.A really nice woman. Treasure your memories and God Bless.
Sincerely; Greta Nearing
Sookie and family Sorry to hear of the passing of your mom.You are in my thoughts and prayers are this difficult time.
From: Brenda Oakley
Sookie and Family; I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a very beautiful lady in every way and made everyone feel so welcome. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
From: Pat Gardiner Singler
It was a sincere pleasure to have met such a wonderful, vibrant woman. It made me feel so special to be welcomed into her family when I married her grand daughter. She will forever be missed. May she rest peaceful "He spoke well who said that graves are the footprints of angels."
From: Bradley Casey, MMV, CD
My sincere condolences to the Nichols family on your mom’s passing.May you have many wonderful memories to cherish forever.
From: Jay Duguid
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother.. Sorry we did not make the visitation , I would have liked to see you guys after many years of not seeing or talking to many of you . Again sorry for you loss and may God help you heal.
From: Barb & Charlie Boutilier
Hi Carmie, Sookie, Barbara and Nichols family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom and grandmother. Having just lost my Dad 4 weeks ago I know the feeling. I always enjoyed meeting Mrs. Nichols and remember her as a friendly lady. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
From: Wanda Fedora
To Margaret & family. Sorry for your loss. I regret not checking the Post the last few days & missed the notice.May she rest in peace.
From: Blair Kasouf
Dear Sookie and Dave, so sorry to hear of your Mother,s passing. No matter how old, it is never easy toose ypur Mom. Thoughts and prayers are with you. From: Kathy and John Hackett
Barb,Stewart & all families of Anna. Sorry for the loss in your lives. May the memories ease the pain you are feeling right. Those memories are everlasting.
Sincerely, Jo-Ann MacDonald
Deepest Sympathies on the passing of Aunt Vera.
From: Bill & Linda Smith
Carmie, Barbara and family, please accept my sincere sympathy in the passing of your mom. I hope all your fond memories help you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: Janet Johnston
I would just like to wish the family my deepest sorrow..Vera was a great person very funny and I will always remember her as a great warm and caring person she will be missed.
From: Ruth (Miller) McNab