Obituary of Joanne Maureen Kelly-Nichols
Joanne Kelly-Nichols
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Joanne Kelly-Nichols of Arva. Cherished wife of Bryan G. Nichols, and beloved mother of Jarrod (Toronto) and Quinn (London). Born and raised in Stratford, Ontario, Joanne is the daughter of the late Andrew (1995) and Clare (1986) Kelly, sister and sister-in-law to Colleen Kelly (London), Gene and Rhonda Kelly (Mt. Brydges), Kathryn and Martin Ritsma (Stratford), Betty and Jim Caley (Simcoe) and Rose and Joe Zelwietro (Prince Rupert, B.C.) Daughter-in-law of the late Gord and Elaine Nichols. She will be missed by in-laws Larry and Marie Nichols, Lynn Nichols, Donnagene Sjaarda (late Ted) and Clare and Valerie Nichols, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Joanne graduated from Stratford Northwestern Secondary School in 1976 and entered nursing, graduating from the first full college program at Fanshawe College, Victoria Campus Class of 1978.
A lifelong learner, she returned to education often. First to the University of Windsor earning her diploma in Public Health and then Ryerson University to complete her BScN as well as earning her National Certificate in Critical Care. She nursed in Pasadena, California, Stratford General, St. Joseph’s Health Care London and retired from LHSC University Campus as a Charge Nurse in the ICU. Most of her 41 year career was spent in Critical Care, where she was a respected colleague and mentor. She “failed” retirement, returning to LHSC in 2020 to join the fantastic team at the Covid Assessment Centre during the Pandemic.
Joanne was well travelled, spending time as a part-time Medical Officer with the Holland America Cruise line for nine years. She travelled with Bryan on working cruises to Alaska, Panama, the Mediterranean, and Hawaii. Joanne and Bryan also travelled on medical missions with LHSC Cardiac Surgery Team to Arequipa, Peru (twice), and Tiayuan, China.
Joanne enjoyed sewing and quilting with her Beach Front Guild Girls, reading and skied in her youth.
The family wish to thank Dr. Delilah Forten and her team for their timely treatment and care as well as Dr. Vincent and the lung team at LRCC.
Special thank you to her sibs, friends Wendy and Tammie, sister-in-law Val; for their unstinting support, gifts of food, driving and unconditional love. It will never be forgotten.
Visitors will be received at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street at King Street, on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 o’clock. Due to Covid-19 restrictions numbers are limited and registration is required. Please e-mail donohue@donohuefuneralhome.ca to register for a visitation time and/or for the Mass. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Michael’s Parish, 511 Cheapside Street, on Friday morning at 10 o’clock. Please consider donations to the Breast Cancer Centre at SJHC or Cancer Society of your choice; Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada or ALS Society. Only through your generosity can we continue to make in-roads in research, care and treatment for future generations.
