Doris Margaret NICHOLLS

1927 - 2021

DORIS MARGARET NICHOLLS (née McEwen) January 24, 1927 - August 17, 2021 Suddenly and surrounded by love, Doris passed away peacefully at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Ontario, to the strains of The Glen Miller Band's "In The Mood." She was 94. Doris was predeceased by her adored husband of 56 years, Ralph Nicholls, O.C. (York University Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus (Physics) and Founder of the Centre for Research on Earth and Space Science) and by her parents Fred and Ellen McEwen (Peck). Doris was born in Bayfield, Ontario. Even at a young age, she was a brilliant student, earning many awards, scholarships, bursaries and accolades throughout her academic career. This brilliance continued as she advanced scholastically and earned an incredible 4 degrees at the University of Western Ontario - Bachelor of Science, Master of Science (both in Botany), MD cum laude with 2 gold medal and a PhD (Biochemistry). These designations are impressive now but truly an incredible feat for a woman during those early days. In 1965, Doris and Ralph were recruited by the burgeoning York University to help establish the new university, to teach and to conduct research, which they continued to do well into the 2000s. Doris, as Professor Emerita (Biology) at York University, taught and mentored many graduate students throughout the years. She was regarded as a quiet, very intelligent and caring professor who was available always for her students. That was her work persona but those who were fortunate enough to know her outside those academia walls, knew Doris as an incredibly intelligent, shiny and bubbly spitfire, able to recall a litany of facts on many subjects as well names and places with a ferocity that was unparalleled. She was a gracious host, excellent cook and baker - which she continued to do, preparing her 3 meals from scratch every day until her last days. Though her physical health had been declining over the past couple of years, her brilliance and zest for life did not wane. To the end, Doris remained compassionate, fun loving and caring with an infectious laugh that seemed too big for her tiny frame. As per her wishes, cremation has already taken place and no funeral service will occur. In Doris' memory, donations in her honour may be made to any of her favorite charities listed below. She will be in our hearts forever and the memory of her laugh and big hugs will carry us through the tough days ahead. Nature Conservancy of Canada http://www.natureconservancy.ca Ontario Nature http://www.ontarionature.org Canadian Wildlife Federation http://www.cwf-fcf.org Salvation Army http://www.salvationarmy.ca