Obituary of Margery Ruth Nicol

Margery Ruth (Rea) Nicol NICOL: Surrounded by her loving family Margery Ruth (Rea) Nicol was released from her valiant struggle with cancer on Saturday, October 25th, 2014. With bravery and determination Mom held her final breath until all her children arrived at her side. When her last daughter arrived in her arms Mom quietly slipped away. Words cannot express the void left by her parting; she was deeply loved and is dearly missed every moment of every day. Mom told us that where she was going was a beautiful place and that her own mother was waiting for her to arrive. Now we, her family and friends, must take solace in knowing that she is free from pain and burden, no doubt drinking tea and playing cards with those who have gone before her – an angel to watch over all of us. Daughter of Verna Edith James and Kenneth Edward Rea, Mom was born April 25th, 1938, in Deloraine, Manitoba. Sister to Jim, Don, Keith, Doreen, Louise, Howard and Ida Mae, she was the sixth of eight children from this Rea clan of Goodlands, Manitoba. There were many tales to be heard about her childhood experiences when she could be coerced into recounting them. Her family narratives were often shared on a "need to know" basis, the parameters of which she set and implemented. Mom had many fond memories of time spent with her grandparents whom she felt a great affinity for. Family movement and a great distaste for school resulted in her receiving her formal education in Goodlands, Carberry, and Deloraine. Despite her quick wit and intelligence, unkind teachers who falsely marked her ability as limited and fist-fights with classmates in defence of her family's honour made each daily journey no easy feat. No wonder she spoke of frequently hiding in a ditch along her way to the dreaded classroom. Her chapter as Wife to John Douglas Nicol began November 15th, 1958, at the tender age of 20. This entailed being a Caregiver to members of her new family and a rapid shift to farm life. Together Mom and Dad transitioned a mixed farm into a dairy operation, and later with the help of their children, created MarJay Holsteins – a humble yet very precious space northwest of Brandon. Every child, grandchild, niece, nephew, and child-hood friend who has spent time at "The Farm" has memories to be shared! Mother to Wanda, Lynn, Jackie, and Doug, Mother-In-Law to Bob Brereton, Dane Samuel, Brad Wells, and Dava Dixon, Mom has left a legacy with her children: the absolute healing power of love; the supremacy of the bonds cemented in family; the recompense of meeting, greeting, and conversing with strangers; and the rugged surety generated through acknowledging, embracing and accepting people for who they are and life's situations for what they are – as they are. Her humour, compassion, and colourful presence became imbued in another generation when she became Grandmother to Lindsay, Delaney, Kyle, DeLohnni, Taylor, Tessa, Nakeesha, Lauren and Shae. Music, hockey, athletics, dance, song, and travel became exploits and adventures she would learn to navigate in support of her grandchildren. Aunt to many Rea and Nicol children, Sister-In-Law to her siblings' partners and her husband's siblings; Friend to all who took the time to get to know her - perhaps through the dairy industry, the 4-H program, The Foresters, or league bowling, as a parent or grandparent at a school function, or, later, as a member of the Red Hats or Seniors for Seniors – or perhaps just through a serendipitous conversation while waiting in a line-up somewhere; Mom became readily endeared to those who met her. To know our Mom was to appreciate this woman for who she was. Though cast from humble beginnings, her spirit and gregarious presence were larger than life. Her affinity for simple things was contagious and her effervescent, colourful character, sparkle, charm, and humour were infectious. Her "piss and vinegar" outlook on life is one we all can embrace and call upon in our own lives. Good bye Mom. Enjoy paradise – you deserve it!