November 26, 1925 - September 7, 2020
With great sadness we announce the passing of Jeanne Ellen Nichols (Gordash). The youngest child of Katherine and Dmytro Gordash, born in Darling Alberta, November 26, 1925.
She completed high school in Kamloops BC. In 1943, with her sister Stevie watching over her, she took a job in an Ajax munitions factor. During the evenings, she worked as a coat check girl at Massey Hall where she made many celebrity friends. A highlight was meeting the great Oscar Peterson.
True to her adventurous spirit, she acquired and mastered a Royal Enfield motorcycle. The thrill of the open road led to her later enjoyment of exotic, fast and fun vehicles.
At war's end, she returned to Edmonton and on January 29, 1949 she committed to marriage with her love, William George Nichols. He had completed his RCAF tour of duty overseas, earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the U of A and acquired his CA designation.
His career demanded a move to Calgary and a year later, their first child, William Danks Nichols was born. Four years later, she completed her family with the birth of twins, Ronald Grant and Robert Gary Nichols.
In the 1960's, she took a job with the Calgary Herald managing their Classified Ads department. In the late 70's, they moved to Tripoli Libya where they stayed for 8 years. She loved the people, absorbing the culture, learning Arabic and organizing a bowling league and Cub Scout troop for the local children.
They returned to Calgary in the late 1980's. Mom then began working for Mappins Jewelers. Her personality and love of jewelery were the perfect match. After losing her husband to a stroke in 2000, she retired and moved to Sylvan Lake. Her final years were spent tending her garden and maintaining her home in her usual independent and proud style. She is loved by many and will be missed by all.
Predeceased by husband Bill, son Rob and brother John Gordash. Survived by sons, Bill and Ron. Proud grandmother to Lt. William Geoffrey Nichols (RCAF) Kingston. Surviving sisters, Marci Gordash (99) Victoria and Stevie Yachimec (104) Toronto.
Her final wishes were, no fuss, no services, no tears. She will be cremated and join her husband and son in her home province of Alberta.
God speed mama!