Anne Nickel (nee De Fehr)

Anne was born January 20, 1922 in Nikoladorf Russia. She was the second child of Jakob and Justina De Fehr. She immigrated to Canada with her parents and siblings Jack and Freda in 1925 and they settled in Lebret Saskatchewan where her dad worked as a farmer, Anne’s sister Hilda was born at this time. They then moved shortly to Regina and then to Hepburn where Irma was born, Irma died shortly after birth. At the recommendation of relatives, they moved their family to Abbotsford in 1935 on Columbia Road and joined the South Abbotsford MB Church where Anne was baptized in 1939. Her faith and love of God continued throughout her life and she passed this on to her children and her grandchildren. Youngest brother Arnie then joined the family.

Anne worked various jobs to help support the family, picking berries and hops and as she grew older, she worked at a cannery in New Westminster and as a housekeeper in Vancouver. A few years later she met Ben Nickel, they were married in June of 1951. In 1953, they welcome their first son Ken and in 1956, Rick was born. Anne’s life revolved around home and the family where she had a large garden filled with vegetables and flowers. The family spent many years camping, travelling and visiting relatives, many vacations were spent visiting family in the prairies. Anne loved to help others, served with the catering committee at South Abbotsford Church, and volunteered with MCC for over 25 years.

When the grandchildren arrived, Anne spent as much time as she could with them. She went on many family holidays to places like Yellowstone, Oregon, and Vancouver Island. After Ben died in 2011, she continued her love of travelling. One of her most memorable holidays was when she was 94 and went to Maui with the whole family. She also loved to cook, bake and make meals for her family. Anne was very independent and continued to drive her own car until she was 95. In 2019, Anne decided it was time to move to Tabor Court, where she could visit with many old friends and have some help with day-to-day tasks.

In June 2021, she was diagnosed with cancer and moved to the Holmberg House where she was lovingly cared for by the staff. Anne passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus August 9, 2021. Her parents, brother Jack, sister Irma, husband Ben and grandson Tanner predeceased Anne. She is survived by her sons Ken (Wendie), Rick (Clo) grandchildren Trent (Aimee), Sierra (Josh), Tyler, and Julianne (fiancé Shane), brother, sisters, nephews and nieces.