Obituary of Arlene  NICHOL

June 21, 1938 – Winnipeg, Manitoba
April 6, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our dear mother and grandmother, Arlene Nichol of Calgary, AB and formerly of Winnipeg, MB on Monday, April 6, 2020 at the age of 81.

Arlene will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Liana (Kerry) Cox; her grandchildren, Pendleton (Neelam), Britni, and Addison of Fort Saskatchewan, AB. and Donna (Jim) of Calgary, AB; She will also be dearly remembered by her brother-in-law Ray Magel, as well as numerous relatives and friends. 

Arlene was predeceased by her husband and the love of her life Macklem in 1997, her parents, Jakob and Mary Pfeifer; and sisters, Edna Magel and Ruth Sander; and brothers-in-law, Ray Kaisler and Alf Sander.

Arlene was born in Winnipeg, MB. She worked at the Income Tax Department where she met the love of her life Macklem (Mack). They were married in 1960 and a few years later had two daughters. Arlene was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and, later on, Messiah Lutheran Church.

Arlene loved to travel. In the years before Mack’s death the family often travelled to Victoria, B.C. to visit with extended family, and enjoyed a Hawaiin vacation together. Arlene found great joy visiting her daughters and grandchildren in Alberta. She would spend time with her daughter Liana and family at Christmas time and was proud to attend all her grandchildren’s high school graduations. Mom would visit Donna and family in July and spend time shopping and attending country music concerts at the Calgary Stampede.  She loved spending time at Donna and Jim’s campsite relaxing around the campfire, and also enjoyed going on cruises; several with family and friends.

Arlene was a very sociable person. She and Mack enjoyed having family and friends visit in their home. Mom loved to attend luncheons with her friends and have guests over for coffee. 

Mom loved Christmas, particularly going to musicals, seeing all the beautiful Christmas Lights, and attending candlelight services at church. She also had a passion for decorating her house with Christmas ornaments everywhere! Mom enjoyed crafts and going to craft shows, especially the Christmas shows. Mom also took pleasure cross stitching pictures for her family and knitting hats and scarfs for the needy while listening to her favorite music.

Her daughters and families were thrilled when mom/grandma decided to move to Alberta, residing in Calgary.  Even though it was for a short time we were able to spend much more time with her this last year.

Arlene lived a life full of love, and cared deeply for everyone around her. She will be remembered for her contagious smile, her heartwarming laugh, and the sparkle in her eyes when talking with her loved ones.

A Celebration of Arlene’s life will be held at a later date in Winnipeg, MB when the current health crisis permits. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Arlene’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Arlene’s name to a charity of your choice.

In Loving Memory of wife, mother and grandma Arlene:

We did not know that evening
What sorrow the day would bring
The bitter grief, the shock severe,
To part with the one we loved so dear.
You bid no one a last farewell,
No chance to say goodbye,
You were gone before we knew it,
And only God knows why.
The face we love is missing,
The voice we love is still,
A place is vacant in our hearts
That never can be filled.
A thousand prayers won’t bring you back,
We know because we’ve tried,
And neither will a million tears,
We know because we cried.
Countless precious memories
Sprayed with a million tears
Wishing God had spared you
For many more years.
You left us beautiful memories
And sorrow too great to express,
But to us who loved and lost you,
Your memories will always last.
No one heard the footsteps
Of the angels drawing near
Who took from us to Heaven
The one we loved so dear.
But you haven’t really left us
Nor have you travelled far
Just entered God’s beautiful garden
And left the door ajar.
Lord, if there are roses in Heaven
Please pick a bunch with care,
And place them in Arlene’s arms
And tell her how much we care.
You didn’t deserve what you went through
And so He gave you rest.
Heaven’s music will be beautiful
Cause now He has the best.