It is with deep sadness we share the news that our beloved Nicole Diane Morris suddenly passed away on September 27, 2026, in Chemainus, BC, at the age of 61. She was born on July 1, 1965, to Carole Morris (née Phillips) and W. Barry Morris at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC.
Nicole’s life was an adventure from the start. She was a funny, intelligent, and creative child who showed an impressive fearlessness. As a young girl she travelled the world, and from the ages of 11 to 13 she lived in Abadan, Iran and later went to St. Margaret’s School in Victoria and Banting Memorial High School in Alliston, Ontario. As a teen and into adulthood she made her home in Ontario, mostly in Toronto. There she met her longtime partner and friend, David Daniel Peel, and it was there that their daughter, Laura, was born.
Energetic and athletic from an early age, she excelled at skating, swimming, and skiing. In her early years Nicole was a champion Highland dancer, travelling to Alberta and then to Scotland to perform. She was also a skilled equestrian who won many cups in Canada and Iran. Whatever she put her mind to, she did it the best. She was a powerhouse: strong and smart and gifted with a photographic memory.
In 2000 Nicole and David moved to Vancouver Island. After a short time in Las Vegas, they returned to the Island, where Nicole founded an equine rescue. She raised the funds to save more than 400 foals from Premarin farms in Alberta, and she never rested until each one had found a home. It was an extraordinary achievement and a true picture of her feisty tenacity and her love for animals.
Nicole was curious about many things. Over the years she worked in retail, nursing, aesthetics and was a talented tarot card reader. Later in life she cared for the elderly in their homes, always with patience and a sense of humour. She loved promoting people’s creativity and music; David’s music was a lasting source of inspiration for her.
Nicole was predeceased by her father, W. Barry Morris, and survived by her daughter, Laura Morris (Josh Croasdale); her mother, Carole Morris; and her sisters, Tammy Morris and Michelle Morris (Sean Barton). She will be missed by her extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as all the people she helped and cared for over the course of her life.
Nicole will be interred alongside her extended family at the Hatley Memorial Gardens in Colwood. An informal Celebration of Life will be held for the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nicole’s memory to the Cowichan Neighbourhood House Association (Chemainus) or the Cowichan Valley Basket Society (Duncan).
The only thing more beautiful than her was the compassion of her soul.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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