Obituary of Justina Nickel

Please click here to view the livestream of the service

It is with sadness we announce the death of Justine Nickel on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at her College Park residence in Regina. Justine was born in the Ukraine on July 30, 1924 and immigrated to Canada with her parents and older brother in 1926.

She was predeceased by her parents, Anton J. and Justina Nickel; brothers John (Violet), Jacob (Verna) and infant brother. Justine is lovingly remembered by her brother Tony (Polly) Nickel; sister Ann Giesbrecht (Ernie deceased); twenty nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and nephews and friends.

My brothers and I were often regaled with stories of the home in the Ukraine, the trip to Canada via Mexico and the settling to life in the Herbert district. Justine had many happy memories of living close to the Swift Current Creek, especially riding her horse over the hills into the ravine, across the creek and into the bush. Justine was part of the family orchestra, everyone sang or played an instrument usually on Sunday mornings.

After Bible School in Swift Current, Justine attended Nursing School in Winnipeg graduating as an LPN. She nursed at the Herbert-Morse Union hospital for a few years, finding it very rewarding to care for sick children and others. In 1960, she changed careers and discovered the interesting and intriguing world of microbiology. She enjoyed her career at Regina General Hospital as a teaching Medical Laboratory Technologist until retirement in 1989.

Travel was a highlight of her retirement years. Places she experienced were Greece, England, Germany, Japan, Florida, and, in winter, golfing in Victoria.
Justine enjoyed sports, both as a spectator (football) and participant; tennis, golf, badminton, curling and bowling. Up to 2015, many mornings found her on one of Regina’s golf courses.

Justine loved gardening. As a little girl, our Mother gave her seeds for her own garden space. She enjoyed “doing” the grounds at her church and participating in Regina’s Community Gardens. As she said "God's green earth has been and continues to be a wonderful place to live.”

A Private Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. To view the livestream of the service please click on the link above on the day of the service.