Deborah Anne Nickel

After a brief battle with pneumonia, Deb sadly passed away on December 16th at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital. She is deeply missed by her sister Lenore, her niece Terrilynn, her stepmother Sylvia, her extended family Margaret (Wayne), Franklin and William, her dear friend Paula, and her beloved “Golden Girls,” Melody, Noreen, and MaryAnn.

Deb spent much of her growing up years in Montreal. In 1974 she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education from the University of Montreal and a year later earned her Graduate Diploma in Art Education from Concordia University. After spending some time teaching in Montreal and working at the hospital, she moved to Winnipeg, MB. In 1983 she began teaching at St. Mary’s Academy. She quickly became the Department Head for the Arts and was instrumental in creating an unparalleled art program through her dedication, vision, and expectation of excellence. She so deeply touched the lives of students and colleagues, many of whom stayed connected, visited, and shared their own lives and families with her. On May 2, 2023, Deb humbly accepted the “Outstanding Teaching Award” given at the University of Manitoba’s Students’ Teacher Recognition Reception.

After 33 years at St. Mary’s Academy, Deb retired in 2017, moving to her beloved British Columbia. She settled in Vernon. Deb spent her time exploring the wineries, working on her art and, of course, hiking. She was always the first to offer help, generously sharing her time and home.

Deb’s sister, her extended family, and her “Golden Girls,” are so grateful for the excellent care Deb received at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital, especially the ICU unit. In lieu of flowers, friends may send a monetary donation to the Canadian Blood Services in Deb’s name. A Celebration of Life is planned for the Spring, 2025, in Vernon.