Obituary of Barbara Dianne Gael Nicholson

October 22, 1966 – Calgary, Alberta

August 29, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Barbara Dianne Gael Nicholson of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at the age of 56 years.

Barbara was the daughter of Allan and Gael, the air hugging sister of Sandra, Robert and family, and James and the servant to 4 cat overlords.  Barbara graduated from nursing at the University of Calgary in 1990 and shortly thereafter found her ‘heart job’ at the Foothills Medical Centre Neonatal ICU (FMC NICU). She will be missed by so many; long term friends, former wee patients and their parents, and colleagues who found her caring nature and quirky sense of humour as healing as the excellent nursing care she provided for over 25 years.

Barb travelled extensively and enjoyed experiencing Mayan sites in Central America, elephants in Thailand, sharks in Australia, chimps in Texas and more!  She spent many summers at the family cabin at Lake Windermere and frequent visits with the family to the West Coast.  The ocean was her happy place.  Her final years brought many changes that she handled with grace, courage, sarcasm, and a load of black humour.  Barb’s closest friends shared these traits.  Barbara would want you to remember her when you see a beautiful vista or experience the joy of tea (or something stronger) on a deck.  Many thanks to the staff of FMC Day Medicine for their years of excellent care and laughs at every visit: “You all are the best!”.  She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

As per Barbara’s wishes there will not be a funeral, she will be cremated, and her ashes will be spread off the West Coast. There may be a private celebration of her life held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACH) or FMC NICU or an animal rescue. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Barbara Nicholson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.