Nina Loretta John

Nina was born on March 6, 1923, in Windsor Junction, Nova Scotia, to James and Mary Dockerill.

Throughout her long and remarkable life, Nina pursued many adventures and careers. In her earlier years, she worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia and later for Canadian National Railway. She then followed her calling into nursing, attending nursing school and beginning what would become her “forever” profession.

Her nursing career took her to Montreal and Calgary, and at one point she served as a private nurse to one of Canada’s Prime Ministers. She later joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a nurse in Trenton, Ontario, where she met her husband, James. They married and welcomed their daughter, Caroline.

Nina and James later lived in Ottawa before making Halifax their home. Nina worked at the IWK and later at Camp Hill Hospital. While working at Camp Hill, she attended Dalhousie University, earning a diploma in Nursing Administration. She retired from Camp Hill as a Head Nurse.

Outside of her career, Nina had many passions. She played the piano and loved knitting, sewing, painting, travelling and French Poodles. Nina and James were also longtime members of the choir at All Saints Anglican Church in Bedford, Nova Scotia.

Nina was married to her beloved husband, James, for 52 years. James predeceased her in 2006. She was also the last surviving member of her family of siblings: Graham, Kenneth, Edith, Ethel, William, Dorothy, Laura, and a baby sibling who died at a young age.

Nina is survived by her only child, Caroline (Smith) of Wentworth, Quebec; granddaughter Julie Smith of Ottawa, Ontario; grandson Douglas Smith of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia; and two great grandchildren (Julie’s children), Charlotte and Jack.

A service celebrating Nina’s life will be held at All Saints Anglican Church in Bedford, NS on October 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. After the service her ashes will be placed with those of her husband, James in a columbarium in Fairview Lawn Cemetery, Halifax.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All Saints Anglican Church or the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

Nina lived a long and meaningful life filled with family, service, creativity, music, and adventure. She will be lovingly remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing her.