It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Mother,
Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Friend, Vada Eileen of Winnipeg on January 12, 2021, age 89 at Middlechurch Home.
Vada was born in Tisdale, Saskatchewan. She moved to The Pas, Manitoba in 1939 where she enjoyed ice skating as a child and graduated from Nursing School in 1952. In 1953, she married Edward Paul Gardewine and they were married for more than 65 years.
Beyond taking care of the family, Vada was generous of spirit, and in the fluctuations of life, she was the steady force for all those around her. She never turned anyone away, relished in her family and invited all of her children’s friends to be part of the extended family. The highlight of each week was gathering for the Sunday Roast dinner at her table. Her door was always open both in her home in Winnipeg and at the cabin in Flin Flon.
Vada was an accomplished knitter and showered countless babies with their first sweater and
booties. Her children too, were the fortunate recipients of multitudes of handmade pieces. Vada’s Christmas baking was legendary and coveted by all. Receiving a tin of her shortbread was indeed the very best gift. She loved curling, both with her husband Ed, and as the skip of her ladies team. Beyond participating, she enjoyed watching many curling bonspiels live and on TV with a vigorous opinion on how each shot should be played.
She was a devout Catholic, practicing for many years at St. Anthony’s of Padua Church. She
donated her time to the parish Ladies Auxiliary and looked forward each week to seeing the “Breakfast Gang friends” after mass. Vada further dedicated her time over numerous years as a volunteer canvasser for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.
Over the years, Vada celebrated many reunions with her four nursing colleagues who she had trained with and held close her dear friends Mrs. Duff, Mrs. Gilfix and Mrs. Lagimodiere, not to mention her many other treasured friends of whom there are too many to mention.
She is survived by and lovingly remembered by daughter Brenda (Wayne), grandson Dayne (Michelle), son Ralph (Irene), grandchildren Erik (Jacki) and Breanne, daughter Cheryl (Fabio), granddaughter Vada Andrée, daughter-in-law Arlene (Ken), granddaughters Ashley (Steve) and Lindsey (DJ), great granddaughter Hailey, great grandson Jake and grandson Ryan, sisters Ethel (Tony), Eileen, Eloise (Ray), brothers Lou and Don (Lois), sister-in-law Phyllis and by numerous, nieces, nephews and friends.
Vada was predeceased by husband Edward, son Paul, sister Olive, sisters-in-law Irene and Laura, brother Peter and brothers-in-law Henk, Cecil and Greg.
Our family wishes to thank all those who have held our dear Vada in their hearts and continue to
support us. A special thank you to the compassionate caregivers on B2 at Middlechurch Home.
Memorial donations in memory of Vada can be made to the Alzheimer Society Manitoba 10 – 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4G2, alzheimer.mb.ca
A private service will be held at a later date.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Vada Eileen Gardewine Nicholls Tuesday January 12th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Oakbank, Province: Manitoba