Obituary of Kathaleen Eleanor Nickel (nee Baum)

December 14, 1931 – Hodgeville, Saskatchewan 
September 6, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Kathaleen Nickel of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, September 6, 2021 at the age of 89 years, one year, one month, one day and one hour after her husband of 71 years, Clarence.

Born on a farm near Hodgeville, Saskatchewan she was the oldest of three children. After living in Neidpath, Swift Current and Vernon with her family, Kathaleen moved to Calgary and married Clarence in 1949. She worked at Alberta Coffee and Tea until the birth of their first daughter.

Kathaleen was a devoted mother to her two daughters and always took an interest in their schooling and activities. She sewed many matching outfits for the three of them. She volunteered throughout her life with organizations such as the Capitol Hill Home and School Association, Hearts and Hands, and the Calgary Stampede Visiting Bands Committee. She fundraised for the school, made egg salad sandwiches for funerals and served Gatorade to band members after they finished the Stampede Parade. A favourite moment for Kathleen was meeting Parade Marshall, Peter Fonda. Kathaleen was kind and generous and was always willing to help others.

When her daughters were in high school, she returned to the workforce, working at the Cavalier China Shop. She spent most of what she earned on Royal Doulton figurines, sets of dishes and plates. She loved nice things.

Her grandchildren were very special to her. While she fed them plenty of treats, she always made sure there was a healthy veggie plate for them as well.  She made the best blueberry pie. In addition to always making sure they were fed, she spent lots of time with her grandchildren, taking them to shows, the Zoo and Calaway Park; attending all of their special events; and she would even take ball hockey shots on her grandsons and sometimes scored. She also loved having visits with her great-grandchildren and always made sure to spoil them with treats as well. 

Kathaleen and Clarence were very socially active. It was not uncommon to go to visit them and find that they already had guests and while you were there, the phone would ring off the hook! They had very special and long term friendships with friends, members of the Calgary Fire Department and neighbours. Not only did we have to plan around their busy social life when visiting but we also had to be sure we were not visiting during Kathaleen's beloved Coronation Street.

Kathaleen absolutely loved Chinese food, going out with Clarence at least once a week for it. She was extremely happy when family would bring in Chinese food to Bow View. When she did not like what was being served for supper, she would tell the staff that the Hi-Ball was just down the street.

Kathaleen had many memorable vacations with family and friends. She loved Hawaii, Laughlin, the Dominican Republic and Disneyland. Although she did not like many of the rides at Disneyland, she was content to wait on a bench while the rest of the family went on the ride. There are many photos of her on the “bench ride”.

Kathaleen is survived by her two daughters and son-in-law, Wendy (David) Livingstone of Calgary and Corinne Erlam of Ponoka; six grandchildren, Jesse (Bryanne) Aylward, Shannon (Greg) Erno, Greg (Janine) Livingstone, Sarah (Tyler) Payne, Samantha Caissie (AJ and Jaekin Anderson), and Mick Caissie; and seven great-grandchildren, Madisyn, Rylan, Andrew, James, David, Charlie and Kennedy. 

Kathaleen is also survived by a sister and two brothers-in-law, Sylvia (John) Jack and Bill Wiste; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Kathaleen was predeceased by her husband Clarence, her parents Elsie and Fred Baum and one sister, Bernice Wiste.

The family would like to thank the staff for the care provided at Bow View Manor. Their care and support during the pandemic was exemplary. When family could not visit, they were her family.

Due to COVID-19, a Private Family Funeral Service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bow View Manor, Recreation Department, 4628 Montgomery Blvd NW, Calgary, AB T3B 0K7, or a charity of your choice.

In living memory of Kathaleen Nickel, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.