ELIZABETH JOHNSON NIXON

(February 13, 1925 – November 6, 2025) Elizabeth (Libby) Nixon passed away peacefully in Cowansville, Quebec, at the age of 100. Born in Montreal to John David Johnson and Gladys Percy, Libby was predeceased by her loving husband, Melbourne Edwin Nixon; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ralph and Libby Johnson and Robert and Ester Johnson; and sisters-in-law, Dorthy Nixon and Margaret Feilds (Phil); and brother-in-law, Albert Nixon (Ann). Libby was a proud, caring and loving mother to her three sons, John (Christine) (Jane), Gordon (Janet) and Blair (Christine). She was fortunate to have seven grandchildren, Christopher, Katie, Jackie, Trish, Tim, John and Jake; as well as 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces. Having lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and many monumental global events, Libby not only witnessed history during her century, but played an active role in it. She was a trailblazer in so many ways, but her greatest passion and accomplishment was her family, to whom she gave everything. Growing up in Montreal, Libby attended boarding school at Compton (now Bishop's College School), where she was a prefect, an athlete, and forged lifelong friendships. After graduating in 1942, she deferred university to serve her country during wartime. At 18, she joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and was posted to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where she plotted aircraft operations. Rising to Corporal, she later interpreted reconnaissance and communicated directly with RCAF pilots. In a different era, she no doubt would have been flying missions herself. She often recalled that one of the best days of her life was standing on Pier 21 in Halifax after V-E Day, welcoming home her brother Ralph, who had been shot down over Germany and endured two years in Stalag Luft III, the POW camp famous for The Great Escape. Following the war, Libby returned to Montreal and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from McGill University in 1948. She embarked on a career in cancer research, working at McGill, at a research centre in Miami, and finally, at Roosevelt Hospital in New York. While she loved her career and adventures, family and community eventually called her home to Montreal, where she married Mel, and together they built a wonderful life. While Mel and her boys were the centre of her universe, Libby was deeply active in her community and gave generously of her time and energy to many organizations. She was happiest in Knowlton, where she spent summers, weekends and holidays, initially as a child, and eventually with her own family. Libby was remarkably social and had many dear friends whom she adored, and to whom she was loyal and devoted. She loved bringing people together, and hosted many wonderful parties, especially at the Knowlton house. After Mel's passing, Libby moved to Knowlton full-time and lived independently in her house until age 95, before transitioning to Manoir Lac Brome and later Hospital Brome-Missisquoi Perkins in Cowansville. In her later years, she devoted herself to caring for friends in need, especially her sister-in-law Dorthy, who lived with MS for most of her 90 years. Of Libby's lasting contributions to her community, her greatest passion was Knowlton Golf Club. She was a member for 95 years, which, reportedly, made her the longest-standing member of any golf club in North America. In her prime, she was known as the "second best" woman golfer at the club, yet she twice managed to win the club championship, with a 34-year gap between her victories. She was Ladies' Captain, served on numerous committees, and, in 1987, became the first woman president of the club. Even after she no longer played, Libby dedicated a tremendous amount of time to ensure the club ran smoothly and the clubhouse always looked its best. ScoreGolf magazine profiled her, dubbing her "The First Lady of Knowlton Golf," and, in 2018, the club's 11th hole was named in her honour. Libby Nixon epitomized "a life well lived," and has left a lasting impact on her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and so many others whose lives she touched. Her family loved her and is profoundly grateful for all that she gave. There is no doubt her legacy will live on for generations. Her family would like to thank Barbara Burbank, who cared for Libby in her later years and was by her side when she passed, and the wonderful staff at Hospital Brome Missiquoi Perkins, who provided compassionate end of life care. There are too many others to mention who supported her during different stages of her life, but know that she and her family are eternally grateful. A service of remembrance and reception will be held in Knowlton at a later date. May you rest in peace.