Obituary of Mamie Patricia Nicholson

Mamie Patricia Nicholson March 17, 1924 - June 17, 2022 Celebration of Life Our mother completed her life’s journey on earth, being 98 years young. Mom is singing and dancing in another world with her son, Kim (2016), her parents, Wilbert and Leeta (Phillips) Roadhouse, and her sisters, Margaret Duby and June Paisley. Joining the chorus are her "adopted parents” Carl and Carmen Nicholson, niece, Colleen (Duby) Fedchun, grand-niece, Lynsey Chapman (Paisley), other family members and many friends gone on before. Born in Amherstburg, Mamie was named after a friend of her parents, who died of typhoid fever at 18. She was known to many as “Mame.” In later years, she resided in Leamington. We rejoice her life and legacy that was filled with vigour, joy, optimism, strength, and faith. One of her many favourite mottos, came from a song “Rise, Shine, Give God the Glory”, greeting each morning with joy and enthusiasm and “thank you Lord.” This was exemplified even in how she answered a telephone. One of her favourite bible verses was Psalms 118:24. She will be missed, and lovingly remembered by her children, Kathleen (Gregg Moore) Nicholson (Toronto), Patricia Nicholson (Florida), and Carl (Linda Geier) Nicholson (Florida). She was “cool grandma” to Amanda Farr (Taylor) (Jon Farr), Scott Taylor, A.J. Nicholson, Katie Nicholson (Joe Torkelson) and great granddaughter Sophia Taylor, all from Florida. In the early years, nothing made her happier than her annual trips to Florida or Missouri to spend quality time with her grandchildren. The thrill of sports in her life and watching her children and grandchildren achieve was a big part of her life. She will be remembered fondly by the Paisley and Duby nieces and nephews who spent many hours at Holiday Beach and Sunny Acres Farms also visiting their Grandma Leeta Roadhouse who lived with us in her final years. Mom was committed to staying as healthy as she could and felt life was a gift. To live irresponsibly was to dishonor that gift. As a result, her life was filled with physical activity and mental stimulation. She was active at Wesley United Church in Amherstburg and then Leamington United Church. She led singsongs at many family gatherings, bus tours and social events. Her love of music began as a young child listening and singing with her mother at the pump organ, church choirs, and playing the bugle and drums in the Amherstburg marching band. She will be remembered for her love of sports. “Kick the can” and baseball at the corner lot at Bathhurst St., biking along the Detroit River to Bell’s Triangle and swimming at the old Water Works dock were some of her favourites. She rowed many times across the Detroit River to Boblo from Amherstburg and once, even swam back. When she was 19, many onlookers watched as a “jumper” went into the Detroit River in Windsor. Having no fear of the water, mom threw off her shoes and jumped in after her, bringing her to safety. In later years, the family all enjoyed boating and waterskiing. Hidden Lake, Crystal Bay, White Sands, and Boblo Island were regular stops. And of course, always with a packed picnic box. For 45 years Mom was an avid golfer and curler at Canard Valley, Kingsville Golf and Curling Club, Essex Golf and Country Club, and Windsor Roseland Curling Club. She and her rink won many Bonspiels. She relished the competition. Mom took many leadership training courses, Dale Carnegie being one. Gaining confidence, she served on the executive board of any organization to which she belonged. She was the Charter President of the UCW (United Church Women) and Director and Counselor of GessTwood Camp. Some of her community services included former charter member of the Kinette Club and then K-40, Home and School Association, driving cancer patients, delivering meals-on-wheels, and past president of Gateway Questers. Mom’s competitive and mental edge was then being challenged at the bridge table several times a week at the Leamington Half Century Center, Kingsville Friendly Club and South Essex Duplicate, with her name in the paper frequently. She said “It stimulates my neurons.” We will always remember: • her being our taxi driver and #1 fan. • as a family, going to church and then out for lunch at the Tea Garden or Maria’s. • cousins and neighbours coming to the farm enjoying the horses, jumping on the trampoline, having turkey sandwiches and mayonnaise cake. • traveling as a family to many Canadian and United States destinations, including Hawaii also Mexico, Barbados, and Spain with annual trips to Florida. • on her 75th birthday, mom roller skated with Katie. • on her 80th birthday, she drove A.J.’s scooter. • in her 98th year, she was driving her own car and preparing her own meals Mom was the matriarch of our family, the Duby, Paisley, and Nicholson families. They included her in many outings and events. We especially want to thank our cousin, Gail Duby and Phil Bradley, for their assistance with many errands and spending quality time with our mother. Gail, we know she thought of you as a “friend, niece and daughter”. A graveside family gathering will take place in October 2022 in the ancestral Phillips family plot, Olinda Cemetery. Our mother displayed a zest for life to the end. We will see you again and rejoice and sing together. As mom would say, "We are not alone. We live in God's world...bye for now." Arrangements entrusted to SIMPLE CHOICE, 519-254-2585. Online condolences and cherished memoires may be shared with the family at www.simplechoicecremation.ca