Obituary

Jessie Nicol

In Loving Memory of

Jessie Nicol

(Maiden: Gray)
of Edmonton
Jan 20, 1906 - Dec 24, 2011

 

On December 24, 2011, less than a month short of her 106th birthday, Jessie Nicol passed away peacefully at the Edmonton General Hospital. Born Jessie Gray in Medicine Hat, where her father, James Gray was based as a CPR Locomotive Engineer. She met Alex Nicol at the tennis courts, and they married in June, 1930. The family moved to Edmonton on February 10, 1937. Jessie was predeceased by her husband, Alex in 1978, after 48 years of marriage. She is survived by daughter Eileen (Gerry) Harle; grandchildren, Brent (Christine), Neil (Alison) and Craig (Joanne) Harle and eight great grandchildren. Jessie was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Jessie worked for the Medicine Hat News, and later, when Alex was transferred to Edmonton to take up the position of Chief Operator for CPR Telegraphs, she was a member of the inaugural staff at NAIT, where she taught typing and shorthand until her retirement. Jessie was an avid cribbage player and loved to travel. She was noted for acknowledging friends and relations birthdays and other special occasions. A non-driver herself, Jessie travelled the city mainly with ETS, who on her 100th birthday, honoured her dedication to public transport by awarding her a lifetime pass. She continued using ETS for some time after. The family wishes to acknowledge the efforts of longtime friend and caregiver, Gene Fowler, as well as the staff of the Royal Alex Hospital who all helped comfort Jessie during her final weeks. A Celebration of Jessie’s life will be held at The Edmonton Central Lions Seniors Centre, 11113 – 113 St., Edmonton on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jessie may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, The Salvation Army or any other charity of your choice.