Barbara Nicholas

BARBARA PHYLLIS VIRTUE NICHOLAS (nee Kerr)Barb passed away peacefully with her family at her bedside on July 11, 2013, after a lengthy battle with cancer at St. Joseph's Hospital, Hospice Unit.Born in Port Arthur, Ontario on February 12, 1936 she attended Shuniah School and Port Arthur Collegiate Institute, but her true passion was dance. Her early years were spent training with Sylvia Horn until she left for Toronto to continue her dance education with the National Ballet. In Toronto, she danced under the direction of Boris Volkoff and later under Arnold Sphorr performed with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet for several years before sustaining a career ending ankle injury. She continued to dance in Toronto on television with Ivan Romanoff and his orchestra, and in the summers she appeared in a variety of summer stock productions. In 1965, she married Peter Nicholas and shortly after the family accepted a transfer to Pine Falls, MB. During the 14 years she lived there, lifelong friendships were formed and many beautiful memories made while living in the country. In 1981 the family accepted an occupational transfer and Barb returned to her birthplace in Thunder Bay, living just blocks from her childhood home. Barbara was a dedicated and focused partner, parent, and community member. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels, at the Dew Drop Inn, and with various dance events and organization in addition to countless hours preparing for her children's dancing, swimming, hockey, and Sea Cadets. She remained active in the Roman Catholic Church until her illness made it impossible for her to continue. She cared for everyone and everything that came into her presence including a parade of pets.She is survived by her husband of 48 years Peter, daughter Kathleen Atkins, son Daniel Nicholas and daughter Jane Nicholas (Karl Reimer). She cherished nothing more than spending time with her two Grandsons, Nicholas Atkins and Sebastian Nicholas-Reimer, of whom she was extremely proud. Family friend Jim Gutmann and "Min Min" always made her smile. She was predeceased by her parents John Kerr and Nan (Florence) Kerr (nee Beeston) and her infant granddaughter Hanna Nicholas.The family would like to thank her medical team of Dr J.Reid, Dr D.Dueck, Dr M.Anthes, and Dr. G. Davis as well as the nurses and staff at the Cancer Clinic for their efforts over several years to support Barbara's health. We would like to thank the nursing team at Hospice in St. Joseph's Hospital who cared for her and her family during her final days. Many thanks as well to the friends who supported her and her family throughout Barb's illness.A Memorial Service for Barbara will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street presided by Fr. Luigi Filippini. A visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northern Cancer Fund, the St. Joseph's Foundation of Thunder Bay or the Dew Drop Inn.On line Condolences may be offered atwww.harbourviewfuneral.ca"