Obituary of Nina Leslie Chernichen

May 28, 1950 – Toronto, Ontario

March 21, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

The family of Nina Leslie Chernichen (nee Bergasse) are deeply saddened to announce her death at 73 years of age on March 21, 2024. Nina passed away peacefully in her sleep at South Health Campus with her loving husband by her side.

Nina was born on May 28, 1950, in Toronto. Her father’s employment in the Canadian Government Service and later personal pursuits resulted in her living in many parts of Canada during her life, including Ontario, The Maritimes, the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, and eventually her family home in Alberta. As a young adult, she excelled in numerous academic and athletic pursuits with a particular passion for swimming, tennis, and teaching. Her bright and outgoing personality led to a successful career in sales with the Bank of Montreal before settling down in Calgary with Donald to start her family.

She is fondly remembered as a devoted mother and caregiver to her family as well as many friends and animals, expertly managing a busy household, family activities, as well as many memorable road trips and vacations. Nina also dedicated many years of committed service to charitable causes, most notably taking leadership roles in annual charity golf tournaments which raised significant funds for the Calgary Health Foundation and Alberta Health Services. She maintained a great love of the ocean which began during her childhood living in The Maritimes and family visits to the Caribbean and continued through her life across many happy years visiting Southern California with loved ones. Most of all, her family and friends will always remember Nina’s enduring sense of humour and trademark ability to make new best friends everywhere she went.

Nina is survived by many loving family members including her husband Donald J. Chernichen, K.C. (married 1978), her sons, Doran, Brodie, and Travis Chernichen; daughter-in-law Regan Chernichen; sisters, Sally Driscoll and family, and JoAnn (Scott) Scheid; her brother-in-law Jerry Sauve and nephews, Patrick and David Sauve; her two grandchildren, Parker and Willow Chernichen; and her treasured dog Bogey. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph A. Bergasse and Morag Bergasse (nee Graham); sister Patricia “Tish” Sauve; brother-in-law Robert Driscoll; and her mother-in-law Hazel Chernichen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to Calgary Health Foundation – Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Suite 800, 11012 Macleod Trail S.E., Calgary, AB T2J 6A5, Telephone: (403)943-0615, www.thetrust.ca or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Nina’s family here.

In living memory of Nina Chernichen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.