Obituary of Elizabeth (Libby) Imelda Nichols

October 24, 1929 - Calgary, Alberta

December 24, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Libby Nichols (nee Sinclair Murphy) passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, December 24, 2021, at the age of 92 years.

Six generations of Libby’s family have lived in Calgary and throughout Alberta since 1884. She graduated from St. Mary’s Girls High School, and in her high school yearbook it stated, “Libby won a host of friends including both the student body and teaching staff.” She cherished her family and friends, and her happy times were skiing at Lake Louise, golfing, hiking, boating and water skiing in the summer with her children and their father.   She was an excellent hostess and cook and we spent many happy hours around the dinner table where friends, neighbours, cousins, and parish priests were welcome to join. There was always room for others at Libby's table. She was gracious, kind, loyal and generous. She treasured her time with her bridge club of over 65 years whom she shared much laughter.

She volunteered for Birth Right, Meals on Wheels, Inn from the Cold and Feed the Hungry. When her children were leaving home, Libby went back to work. She worked for the Law Society of Alberta, Alderman’s Office, and The Office of the Mayor, where she was presented with the White Hat Award for outstanding service for the people of Calgary. Libby also volunteered for the Calgary 88 Olympics where she was acknowledged for her outstanding achievement.

When difficult times loomed large, Libby’s faith in a higher plan, kept her steadfast. When she lost her only son, Bill to brain cancer in 2018, this faith and her belief in the power of prayer helped ease her loss. Her children will be forever grateful for the incredible love and support she gave them.

Libby is survived by Brenda and Michael O’Brien, Laura and Ervin Reinhart, Julia and Donald Cranston, Mary Beth and Steve Hansen, Susanne and John Van Roessel, Brenda and Paul Samuels; her granchildren, Ian (Tanya) Neal (Savannah) TJ, Erin (Mike) Hunter, Erika (Carter) Logan (Eva), Quinn, Spencer; great-grandchildren, Bowen and Jane Reinhart, Idah Mae Reinhart, Leo Thomas and Scottie Elizabeth Cranston-Peake, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Libby is also survived by her brother-in-law Bruce Macdonald and her cousin Cecilia Jacobs. 

Libby was predeceased by her children’s father, Tom Murphy, husband Douglas Nichols; parents, Monica Julia (nee Hickey) and Robert Falconer Sinclair, son Bill Murphy; brothers, Robert, David, John; and sisters, Mary and Laura.

A Celebration of Libby’s Life will be held at a later date, when all family will be in the country and able to gather. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca or to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: 1 (866) 412-4222,  www.albertacancer.ca/memorial.

The family would like to thank Dr. Maria De Bruyne and her dear son, Christian; Melinda Podolsky and all the amazing staff at Carewest Royal Park for their kindness and loving care Libby received over the many years she resided there.

In living memory of Elizabeth Nichols, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.