PATRICIA ANN NICHOLSON

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Patricia Ann Nicholson, on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at her home in Rainy River, Ont.
Pat was born in Rainy River on March 17, 1943 to the late Jack and Ruth Armstrong.
In celebration of her Irish heritage, Patricia was named in honour of St. Patrick’s Day at the insistence of her maternal grandfather, Edmund Kearney. Not a St. Patrick’s Day passed without Pat and those around her toasting the luck of the Irish and the joy of gathering with friends and family.
Her good-natured laughter will continue to ring every year in the memory of those toasting Pat on St. Patrick’s Day and wearing green in her honour.
In 1962, Pat bravely embarked on an adventure—moving to Winnipeg to train as a hairdresser. After working in Winnipeg for a few years, Pat returned home to open her own hair salon and become one of the first female business owners in the area.
Initially located on Main Street, Pat’s Hair Fashions was a popular gathering spot for customers and socializing.
It was on her return to Rainy River that Pat was introduced by her brother, Larry, to his fellow teacher, Lou Nicholson. Lou was new to the area and quickly taken by Pat’s charm and beauty.
After the connection was made, they spent many hours travelling across the country on their motorcycle and, as their family formed, she and Lou packed their kids, butterscotch candies, and cassette tapes for annual trips to the East Coast.
Pat was united in marriage to Lou Nicholson on July 12, 1969. Pat and Lou settled in Rainy River and raised two children, Sean and Shana. At a time when working outside of the home while raising a young family was unusual, Pat successfully juggled her roles as wife, mother, and businesswoman.
Despite working long hours, Pat always was there for her family—tending to cuts and scrapes, engineering camping trips, and hosting large family gatherings.
Pat’s home was forever welcoming—no matter the hour or the occasion, there was always a spot at Pat’s kitchen table for family and friends, new and old. Pat loved music, and beamed with pride when her home was filled with the sounds of family members playing the guitars and singing along.
She was a patient and attentive woman who often was the leaning post for loved ones who needed an ear, or a shoulder to cry on.
Pat was one who always put the needs of others before her own, and was quick to change the subject with a “Don’t worry about me” when people tried to focus on her needs.
Pat had a passion for curling and was very proud of the eight-ender that she and her team scored at the Rainy River Curling Club.
Ever the avid fan, the only activity that could pull her attention from her grandchildren was watching curling. Whether the Tournament of Hearts or the Brier, Pat spent many hours passionately cheering the TV and “advising” the teams with her cup of tea in hand.
Pat’s greatest pleasure in life was the company and joy of her children and grandchildren. She frequently travelled great distances to spend time with them and was heart-broken when it came time to part company—these farewells were the rare times that her bright blue eyes glistened with tears.
Pat’s time on Earth made it a better place, and those who knew her were blessed for having the opportunity to spend time with her.
She is survived by her husband, Lou, of Rainy River, Ont.; son, Sean (Brandy) of Fond du Lac, Wis.; and daughter, Shana (Greg) French of Toronto, Ont. Pat will be sadly missed by her grandchildren, Shaila, Kylar, Jacob, and Isaac.
She also is lovingly remembered by her siblings, Larry (Myrna) Armstrong, Ralph (Debbie) Armstrong, Judy Anderson, John (Forest) Armstrong, Dan (Janice) Armstrong, and Debbie Curic (Ed Huck); and by many nieces and nephews.
Pat was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Ruth; sister, Beverly Armstrong; and son in-law, Mark Ivall.
A celebration of Pat’s life was held Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the Knox United Church in Rainy River, with lay pastor Carolyn Kreger officiating.
Interment took place Monday, May 25, 2009 in Forest Lawn Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Dean Armstrong, Darren Armstrong, Dave Armstrong, Johnny Anderson, Brent Anderson, and Dan Armstrong Jr.
The honourary pallbearers were Myrna Armstrong, Sharon Marmus, Mugs Jackson, Susan Wolanicki, Patti Bonhomme, and Clint Armstrong.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to Knox United Church in Rainy River c/o Northridge Funeral Home, Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com