March 1, 1920 – July 21, 2023
Myrtle Margaret Nicholson (nee Matheson) passed away peacefully July 21, 2023 at the age of 103, with her youngest daughter by her side. She was a beloved partner to her husband Robert, who left us far too soon.
She leaves behind her three daughters: Arlene Duncan, Diane and Michael Leuty, and Susan Nicholson and Ron Schirlie. Also feeling sad about losing their GG are her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Gaylen and Alison Duncan (Taylor and Kennedy), Krista Duncan and Brody McIlone (Avery, Graydon and Camryn), Meghan and Stefan Haag (Addison and Mason), Robert Duncan and Sarah Hurley (Hunter, Cooper and Florence), Matthew and Kathryn Brady (Cash, Sloane, Wilder), Scott and Justine Brady (Jackson, Blythe and Rhys).
We were so lucky to all be together as an extended family from all across Canada for her 100th birthday in March 2020, just prior to the Covid closures and future isolation.
Dad was with Air Canada and there were many postings: Winnipeg, Montreal, Windsor and back to Montreal just in time for Expo 67. In 1970, they were transferred to where they started, their hometown of Winnipeg. Mom was a trooper with all these changes and managed to set up homes, get children settled into school, and find us a new church.
Not wanting to be a golf widow, Mom took lessons and became an avid golfer and won the Grandmother’s cup twice at the St. Charles Country Club. She also did volunteer work with the Red Cross in Windsor and was active on various committees with the Rotary Anns in Winnipeg.
Mom was an exceptional seamstress. We were lucky to be the beneficiaries of her talent and skills. She made us beautiful dresses and taught us how to sew for ourselves. She loved to paint and our beloved cottage at Georgeville, Quebec has many of those treasures.
She was an amazing baker. Favourite treats were nuts and bolts, brownies and chocolate chip cookies which we have all, including the grandchildren, learned to make. Every November the Christmas baking started. Mom would take trays of goodies to the bank staff who looked forward to it every year. There was the annual Christmas party for Dad’s Air Canada staff who were always surprised when they heard it was Mom who prepared all the food.
Her favourite expressions were “Gimminy George” and “I’m a lucky old lady”. She was known for making snow angels and managed the last one at the age of 101. Well Mom, we were all lucky to have you in our lives for so many wonderful years. The memories will always be there for us. You are our shining star and joining our Dad at last.
Diane and I would like to express a big thank you to our sister Susan and her husband Ron for the attention and care they have given to Mom over the years. She had a wonderful long life because of their devotion.
We would also like to express our sincere gratitude for the compassion shown to Mom by the management, staff and residents at Sturgeon Creek II as well as her Home Care workers over the past four years.
As per Mom’s wishes, there will a family graveside service at our cottage in Quebec at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Salvation Army, Alzheimer Society or a charity of your choice.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.
– Irish Proverb
8 thoughts on “Myrtle Margaret Nicholson (nee Matheson)”
My sincerest condolences to all of you in the loss of your matriarch. How very fortunate to have had her with you for such an exceptionally long time. Given Ron’s many daily posts that featured her I almost felt I knew her. Let all the many memories you have of her sustain you.
A beautiful lady with a beautiful legacy. Rest in peace w Gd.
What a lovely summary of a wonderful woman’s life. She was loved by all her family and many beyond.
Georgeville memories are forever.
Sue: I have very fond memories of your Mom from Windsor days. I recall she was often in her golfing attire including a visor when we bombarded the Nicholson home after school. Who can forget the occasion when you got your famous nickname after seeing your mom’s freshly canned batch of dill pickles on the kitchen counter. I have her recipe for her delicious Xmas snowballs. I was lucky to meet Myrt in Winnipeg perhaps 15 years ago when we re:connected. I was so surprised that she remembered me. Myrt was blessed to have a devoted husband and 3 wonderful daughters. Hoping fond memories help lessen the pain of losing your mom. You were so close and blessed to have her in your life for so long.
What a beautiful tribute to your Mom. We didn’t know her well but well enough to know what an amazing lady she was. May your cherished memories of her be of comfort at this difficult time. Love Glenda & Leanne Berry
Hello Meghan,
Thanks so very much for passing on Arlene’s truly beautiful written obituary.
Many of us learned so much more about your dear G.G.s amazing life. How very beautiful Myrtle looked in her wedding photograph that was included – along with so many other memorable pictures of different stages of her life.
The Irish Proverb at the end (that I’d never read before) brought a tear to my eye.
For Now,🌹🌹🌹Mary
Our deepest condolences to Susan and on the passing of her mother. By reading the obituary and watching the video it shows that Susan’s Mom lead a full life. May the many happy memories you have be of comfort to both of you at this sad time
My deepest condolences to you Susan on the passing of your wonderful Mother. I remember her to be such an amazing lady for the few times that I had the pleasure of being in her company and she was such a busy and active lady. Ross would have been so sad to hear of his Aunt. Such a beautiful video tribute to honour your Dear Mom which will live in your hearts forever.