Jessie May Nickson

NICKSON, Jessie May Passed away on June 5, 2010 after a defiant battle with ALS. Born May 29, 1918 in Ottawa, May attended Queen's University where she was a member of the competitive diving team and completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1940. A stay-at-home mom during the early years of her marriage, May was elected to Ottawa City Council in 1954. She was the first woman to serve as Alderman, resigning after two terms in order to accompany her husband and children to Canberra, Australia. The family enjoyed four years and many adventures "down under" before returning to Ottawa, where May had a successful career with Statistics Canada. Following her retirement, May and her husband travelled extensively, often as volunteers with the Canadian International Development Agency. She also remained active with the Ottawa Council of Women and National Council of Women of Canada. 'Granny May' was the anchor in her family and was very influential in the lives of her children and grandchildren. The matriarch of the family cottage on Danford Lake, May taught all of her grandchildren to dive and water-ski. She enjoyed playing cards, debating politics, and was never one to miss 'happy hour' on the verandah. May was competitive and very proud of her independence. Diagnosed with ALS at the age of 89, she faced challenges to her mobility with fierce determination. She embraced new communication technologies and looked forward each day to e-mails and online visits from friends and family, even after the disease had taken her voice away. May was predeceased by her husband Rex in 1997. She is survived by her sister Muriel Williams, her devoted companion George Reynolds, her children Paul (Mirna), Vicky, and Daphne (Ross), seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff on the fourth floor of The Glebe Centre for caring for May during her final months, and would like to acknowledge the generous support of Jane Ryan, whose frequent visits made May "feel like a real person". Friends are invited to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street (at O'Connor), Ottawa, on Saturday, June 12 from 2:30 pm until time of Service in the Chapel at 3:30 pm. Followed by a time to share stories and memories, and to celebrate May's life, as well as to have some refreshments, all at the Best Western Victoria Suites (adjacent to the Funeral Home). Donations in May's memory may be made to the ALS Society of Ontario.