Nicole Ann MacHattie

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Nicole (Todd) MacHattie announce her passing in Bedford, Nova Scotia, Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 49 years of age. A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, July 26, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. (speeches at 2:30) at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. For those who are unable to attend, you can view the livestream, or leave an online condolence by visiting www.jasnowfuneralhome.com

Nicole is survived by her children Ewan (age 17), and Emma Louise (age 16); father, Robert Todd (Ruth); mother, Donna (Stewart) Kenney; brothers Patrick Kenney (Lou), Stephen Kenney (Ruth), Shaun Kenney (Janice); Robert Todd (Carrie), Glenn Todd (Erin), Donnie Kenney, Josh Todd (Heather); sister Ashley Todd, and many well-loved nieces and nephews. Born in Brampton, Ontario, Nicole moved at a young age to Nova Scotia, the place she would call home for the rest of her life, regardless of where she was living. She was a curious, loving, and protective child who enjoyed spending time with her parents, stepparents, and many siblings. With seven brothers and one sister, there was no shortage of people to look up to and love, and she was all in. Her love for her family was boundless.

Nicole was pre-deceased by her husband of 17 years, Trevor MacHattie. Trevor and Nicole met while in university and fell passionately in love. After Nicole graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, they moved from Nova Scotia to Alberta so Trevor could continue to pursue his education. They lived there for several years before marrying in 2001, then welcomed their son Ewan in 2004 and their daughter Emma Louise in 2006. In 2007, they moved back to Nova Scotia, settling in Bedford. They were dedicated and loving parents to Ewan and Emma Louise. Nicole’s children were her entire world—she loved watching them play the sports they loved (Ewan hockey and soccer and Emma volleyball) and she cherished their many adventures as a family. Nicole was so proud of the smart, kind, thoughtful young adults Ewan and Emma Louise have grown to be. A savvy businesswoman and entrepreneur, Nicole owned several successful businesses before entering the pharmaceutical field, where she worked for many years, holding positions at well-respected companies like Skinfix Inc., Medicine Shoppe Canada, and most recently, Covis Pharma where she specialized in respiratory health.

She loved the ocean and felt most at peace while standing on the shoreline, looking out to sea. She always said the ocean was her church. Nicole had a big personality and lived life to the fullest—she was a born adventurer and loved to travel with her children, family, and friends. She was loyal, supportive, courageous, and energetic. She loved fiercely and lived spontaneously. She took chances, always willing to take a leap of faith. Nicole was the life of every party, a shoulder to cry on whenever when you needed it, and a defender of those she loved. She was a champion for women supporting women and had a sisterhood of friends who adored her. Although Nicole was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2021, she never wanted to be defined by the disease. She was a fighter—before and after her diagnosis, and throughout her cancer journey. She never stopped trying to extend her life and be there for her children. And true to her loyal and kind personality, she supported others living with the disease, and worked to raise awareness and advocate for early detection. She fought like hell—with courage and humour—when she could have given up. She taught those around her what it looks like to be a hero, to love with all your heart, to care for others even when you are struggling. It is hard to imagine a world without her. Let us all follow her lead and live life to the fullest, love passionately, and take chances. She would love for that to be her legacy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Feed Nova Scotia (https://www.feednovascotia.ca/donate/donate-money/in-memory-donation).