Nicola Alexandra Friesen

Nicola Alexandra Friesen (nee James) April 5 1944 - May 12 2019 Nicola was born in the closing weeks of World War II. She grew up in Cookham Dean, Berkshire, England. She came to Canada to meet her uncle: the only surviving brother of her father, an RAF pilot who had been killed before her birth. She met handsome JN Friesen, a teacher, while fruit-picking in the Okanagan that summer. They were married 6 months later - at Christmas - 1967. Richmond BC was where they raised their family and lived for many years. She worked as a Laboratory Technologist at Richmond General Hospital, where she made many good friends. Mum was an avid gardener, and took on many crafts, unafraid to tackle many projects. She was a creative and prolific knitter, and a legacy of "Granny-knit" sweaters survives her. She was a dog lover...there were dachshunds in the early years, and greyhounds in the later ones. She and JN made legendary trips: they travelled many miles in their RV. A favourite spot was Borrego Springs, California, where they made many friends. Highlight travels were a 2-year relocation to Germany in the 1970’s, England to visit family, walking the Camino de Santiago, and a river cruise on the Danube to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. A long-held dream to move back to the Okanagan was realised in 2011 when they relocated to Vernon. Her grandkids were very special to her - she described holding those babies as a highlight of her life. She will be remembered as a vivacious, warm-hearted, genuine, and positive person. And a bit of a hot-tempered Aries. She is survived by husband JN, her sister Joanna, her kids Tammy (Dave) and Adrian (Tracy), and her grandchildren Stephanie, Brodie, Erin, Josh, and Jessica. Mum - you're gone too soon. We love you.