It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear mother Leora. At 98, she was still the center of the family, and a never-ending source of joy and happiness.
Born in Edmonton, the youngest of the six children of John George Niddrie and Martha Leora Alverda Niddrie (nee Johnson), she was predeceased by all her siblings and was the last of her generation for both sides of our family; she lost her dear husband Tony (Michael Anthony Nugent) in 2007. She is survived by her six children Bob (Beth), Jim (Sue), Carol, Patsy Tanner (Bruce), Dan (Barb) and Mike (Louise), as well as 17 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
In her younger years she loved tap dancing, speed skating and friendships, and kept friends for life. Anyone who met her was made to feel like a friend, as she emanated kindness and had a wonderful memory for people. She met Tony in high school and married him August 21, 1945 in Edmonton, where they raised their family until 1967, when they moved to Victoria.
Many winters were spent in Arizona, where Mom joined a tap dancing group of women who later became the Sun City Pom Poms, a cheerleading group with ages ranging from 60 to 85. With them Mom demonstrated her famous cartwheels. She and Dad also enjoyed many years of golf friendships in Sun City, Arizona and at Uplands Golf Club in Victoria, where she celebrated birdies with cartwheels on the greens until age 72.
Following Tony’s death, she moved into independent living at Shannon Oaks in 2008, making many more friends, but keeping independent, driving her car until the last few months of her life.
Her biggest pride and joy was her family, and many family gatherings were enriched by the joy, happiness, and the sense of fun that radiated from her. Funny stories about her abound in the family, and Leora was the first to share them with us.
We are comforted by Mom’s own words, often repeated in her waning years: “ I have lived a full and wonderful life”. This unwavering capacity to embrace the positive and lighter side of life was the very essence of Leora’s being. From it sprang her ready laughter, spontaneous sense of fun, her engaging warmth, openness and generosity of spirit that extended easily to strangers as well as friends.
The family is forever grateful to the long and devoted care that Mom received from Dr. Darcy Nielsen and assistants Emma and Barb. Thanks also to Dr. Alam and Dr. Wenzel-Smith.
A celebration of Leora’s life will be held at Uplands Golf Club at 3 pm on Saturday, October 22, 2022. For catering purposes, please RSVP to nugentcelebration@gmail.com if you will be attending.
In place of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.
Messages and memories may be shared below.
My Mother’s Teachings
Some learning requires a schoolroom
With written lessons;
Some just takes growing up
With a very special Mom.
So has my education and my life been enriched.
Because…
Without my Mom, I might not know…
That laughter can bubble up In the most unexpected places,
And is always welcome.
Without my Mom. I might not know…
That strangers can be made friends.
If one chooses to turn to them and smile
Without my Mom, I might not know…
That the prettiest face in the room
Is the one reflecting laughter and love.
Without my Mom, I might not know…
That kindness to others need never be limited
By one’s own circumstances.
Without my Mom, I might not know…
That heart and spirit are always to be had
Through even the hardest times.
Without my Mom, I might not know…
That Life is sorrow and exuberance,
But when able, move towards exuberance.
Without my Mom, I might not know…
That cartwheels can be turned
At a moment’s notice, any time in life.
Without my Mom. I might not know…
That one can always be a child
Who loves to play, sing and dance.
Without my Mom, I might not know…
That humour and laughter
Are Life’s design for balance.
Without my Mom, I might not know…
That women are incredibly strong
And can do just about anything.
Without my Mom, I might not know…
That mothers and daughters share a special place
Unclaimed by any other.
Your loving daughter,
Carol
13 Responses
I just discovered this beautiful tribute to your Mom, I didn’t know of her passing. Leora was always one of my favorite people, so happy and bubbly and interesting. She and my mother Blanche McCallum went to school together in Edmonton and when they re-discovered each other in Victoria became life-long friends. We are very sorry for your loss of a very special person and Mom. Our most sincere condolences to all of the family.
My sincerest condolences to the whole family. Leora was truly a bright ray of sunshine, so positive and smiling. Such a lovely person, mom & gramma.
She was a wonderful woman, a great neighbour and will be missed by all who had the good fortune to have met her. Our condolences to all of the Nugent Family.