Obituary of Ruby NICOL

Sadly, and with many loving memories, Ruby (aka Judy, aka JR) Nicol of Calgary, passed away quietly on the evening of April 27, 2012, at the age of 89 years. She was born on her family farm in Ilderton, Ontario, on July 2, 1922. Ruby was the middle child, with an older brother Russel and a younger brother Roy. Ruby married her husband Will (aka Nic) after he returned from service in the Second World War. They raised their children, as well as foster children (60 foster children over the years!), in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia. Ruby spent the majority of her life as a devoted mother and homemaker. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, listening to many of the big bands, the "Rat Pack" and later, Rock and Roll! Ruby was an avid cook, baker, gardener, and on occasion, a prankster. She was a great hostess, and her table was often a gathering place for meals with family and friends. As she loved to travel, Ruby made many trips across Canada to see family and friends. She also loved to go on family camping trips, and went to campsites all across Canada and the United States. In her retirement, Ruby discovered a love for making Tole pictures. She went on to teach classes in this art medium, and then progressed to painting water colours and some acrylics. Ruby was the "rock" of her family. Her common sense (informed by great wisdom) and unconditional love are hallmarks of her long life. Ruby's greatest love was definitely her family. She will be forever remembered by her children- son Russel (Beverly) Nicol, son Charles Nicol, daughter Gidget Robinson, daughter Shirley (Terry) Nicol, son Glen (Pam) Nicol, son John (Elaine) Nicol; grandchildren Darcy (Aaron) Nicol, Jimmy Nicol, Todd Nicol, Jason (Julie) Nicol, Jeff (Carol) Robinson, Charlene Robinson, Carling (Mark) Hinkelman, Vincent Nicol, Garry Nicol, Devin Lamoureaux, Hayley Nicol, Nicole Nicol, Shyla Nicol; and great grandchildren Samuel Wall, Rory Wall, Piper Wall, Justin Anthony, Denver Nicol, MacKenzie Nicol, Kyle Robinson, Cole Hinkelman and Sophia Ell-Lamoureaux. Ruby was predeceased by her husband Will Nicol; parents Clayton and Flora (nee MacCallum) Zavitz; two brothers Russel and Roy Zavitz; and son-in-law Robert Robinson. Relatives and friends were invited to pay their respects at CALGARY CREMATORIUM CHAPEL, 3219 – 4th Street N.W., (within the valley of Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Celebration of Ruby’s Life was held at CALGARY CREMATORIUM CHAPEL on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. Ruby will be laid to rest with her husband, parents, and brothers, in the family grave in Poplar Hill, Ontario. Please forward condolences through www.hffs.com. In lieu of flowers, Ruby would want you to gather with your families for a special dinner. The family (especially the out of town family!) wishes to extend special thanks to Marilynn Sander for her decades of friendship and care; the Centennial Lodge for their watchful care; and finally the staff at Cedars Villa for their kindness and compassion. HERITAGE FUNERAL SERVICES “Calgary Crematorium Chapel” Telephone: (403) 299-0111