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NICOLE WILLOWS
Born: Jan 12, 1986
Date of Passing: Apr 09, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryNICOLE WILLOWS It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nicole Willows on April 9, 2016, after a two year battle with cancer. Nicole was born in Winnipeg on January 12, 1986. She attended school in St. James where she was active in music and sports. Nicole was an avid soccer player who especially enjoyed playing with her sister Erika on the Woodhaven Hornets in the Winnipeg Women's Soccer League. Nicole had a passion for travel. Her first of many trips started with a trip to Ireland, Scotland and England with two of her friends Lauren and Erin. She and her husband Matt were also able to travel to Mexico, Paris, Scotland and London during their time together. Closer to home Nicole spent many fun filled summers at the old family cottage at Victoria Beach. She loved playing in the big waves, beating her family at cards and playing in the "friendly" family volleyball games. But Nicole's passion was teaching. She began working with children at Sigfusson's Nursery while she was getting her teaching degree at the University of Winnipeg. For the last six years she had been working at Crestview School in St. James. Nicole was a very caring teacher who found creative ways to engage her students. Despite her illness Nicole made a choice to stay working until the time of her passing because the students gave her so much joy and fulfillment. Nicole had a caring heart which lead to her having a large group of loving friends. Amongst this group was "The Cousin's Group" consisting of Matt, Kellie, Mitch, Lauren, Rody, Adam and Vanessa. Many "Cousin's Nights" were spent together with Nicole at the forefront of the wit and humour. She also had a special place in her heart for her cats Selleck (Sell-Sell) and Gizmo (The Giz) who provided her with unconditional love and endless cat photo ops. Nicole was predeceased by her grandfathers Tom Willows and John Hess as well as her father-in-law Dave Creighton. Nicole is survived by her grandmothers Mary Willows and Ruth Hess, her husband Matt Creighton, her father Ian Willows, her mother Rhonda, brother Jeff and sister Erika as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. A celebration of Nicole's life will be held at Westwood Community Church at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2016. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a fund set up in Nicole's honour. This fund will provide students with books who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to purchase them. Please contact her sister-in-law Kellie at Ms.Willows.eternal.library@gmail.com for details. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 16, 2016
Condolences & Memories (23 entries)
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My daughter goes to Crestview, was in kindergarten when Willows died. It is now 2 years since. And today (May 30th 2018) my daughter came home with a new book. Rest assured to her family and friends, she hasn’t been forgotten by those at Crestview, and all students now have a new book. My daughter got one called Sky Color. Which has a sticker inside that says her name on it. Ms.Willows has a place in every students home. - Posted by: Alexis (Daughter is student at school she taught at) on: May 30, 2018
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What a beautiful person. Life sure isn't fair. Peace to your family as you try to heal from this deep loss. - Posted by: Gabriele Goldstone (Soccer connection through Erika) on: Apr 25, 2016
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Ian and Rhonda, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. - Posted by: Ken & Sharon Obirek (Friends) on: Apr 23, 2016
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Chris and I have heavy hearts hearing the passing of Nicole. We had the privilege of playing soccer with Nicole and can say that she was someone you wanted on the pitch. Not only was she super talented but she had a quiet confidence. We will miss her smiling face and her beautiful grace. In our thoughts and prayers, RIP! - Posted by: Karla and Christopher Anjos (Soccer Friends) on: Apr 20, 2016
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I had the pleasure of seeing Nicole as a student during her time at Bruce Middle School where she was a delightful girl. Years later I bumped into her again when she was teaching at Crestview and I had transitioned from teaching to school bus driving. Nicole accompanied a group of students as they travelled on my bus to the MTS IcePlex for a weekly hockey session. Once again, she was a delightful person and her beautiful connection with the students was obvious. The world has lost an angel. My condolences to Ian, Rhonda, Matt and their families, as well as to Nicole's many friends. - Posted by: Bob MacKinnon () on: Apr 19, 2016
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Remembering Nicole's smiling face, the sparkle in her eyes, her caring heart and her soft voice as she engaged with Crestview School students. Nicole always worked very hard to make a difference in their lives and to make learning fun for each and every student. She will be remembered fondly by her students and colleagues. My sincerest and heartfelt sympathy. - Posted by: Sandra Simonson (Retired Crestview School Principal) on: Apr 19, 2016
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Nicole and I were in the same cohort for our final year of education at UW. Our paths crossed again during a post-bac course at UM and she quickly became my project buddy. I remember her as friendly, smart and incredibly creative with a beautiful passion for the work she did. The teaching community has lost an amazing teacher. My thoughts are with her family during this difficult time. - Posted by: Nicole Frykas (Former classmate ) on: Apr 19, 2016
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It is with a heavy heart that I read about the sudden passing of Nicole. Ms willows was my son (Joshua) grade 3 teacher 2 years ago at Crestview school. She was an excellent teacher for my son who required some extra care and softness. I will never forget when Ms Willows nominated my son for an award at the care assembly. This completely changed my sons outlook on school, because although he struggled, it was Nicole with her big heart who helped him see his value. His father and I are forever grateful. we took a photo of Joshua with Ms willows that day, if you are interested I'm happy to e-mail you the photo. my husband Joshua and I will continue to pray for comfort and healing in this difficult time. - Posted by: Leah Wilson (Students (Joshua) Mom) on: Apr 19, 2016
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Nicole and I met in grade 5. I was new to the school having just moved back to Winnipeg and she was quick to be friend me and show me around. She was the most beautiful, kind, caring, loving, funny, witty person I could have ever had the pleasure of calling my best friend for 20 years. I had the pleasure of watching her and my cousin Matt fall in love. Nic, you will be missed by more people than you could have ever imagined but that just goes to show how many people's lives you affected by being your amazing self. I will love you forever. - Posted by: Lauren Sims (Best friend for 20 years) on: Apr 18, 2016
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Nicole played for our soccer team, the Red Hot Pink Flamingos In the WWSL for a few years. She was an amazingly gifted player who was always modest about all her accomplishments. Her quiet leadership and sweet nature made her a respected and much loved member of our team. We are all so sad to hear of her passing and send sincere condolences to her husband and family with love from coaches and players of the Flamingos. REST IN PEACE Nicole Ingrid Scham - Posted by: Ingrid Scham (Former soccer coach/friend) on: Apr 18, 2016
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Dear high school friend, Rhonda! We haven't seen each other for over 36 years, but in reading about your beautiful daughter, my heart is breaking for you. Sounds like she was an amazing daughter, wife, sister and friend. Words are inadequate so through tears we are sending prayers and love your way. - Posted by: Martin and Ingrid Enns () on: Apr 18, 2016
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We are crying over the loss of your beautiful Nicole. Sincerely, Elan Marchinko's parents Bonnie and Randy Marchinko - Posted by: Bonnie and Randy Marchinko (friends) on: Apr 17, 2016
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Nicole or Ms. Willows as we called her was such a caring soul. She had a gentle manner, and was always so positive. She made such an impact on my son, and will always be remembered for her encouragement and strength. Our condolences to her family and friends, she will be missed. - Posted by: Christina (Friend & parent to one of her students ) on: Apr 17, 2016
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Nicole or Ms. Willows as we called her was such a caring soul. She had a gentle manner, and was always so positive. She made such an impact on my son, and will always be remembered for her encouragement and strength. Our condolences to her family and friends, she will be missed. - Posted by: Christina (Friend & parent to one of her students ) on: Apr 17, 2016
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We remember Portage Trail days when Nicole and Vanessa played soccer together. She had such quiet strength. Her students would have been blessed to have her as their teacher. - Posted by: Rob and Valerie Gendron () on: Apr 16, 2016
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Nicole was a very kind person. She had a beautiful smile, and was so calming to be around. Matt, although I never met you, I know you made her very happy. She spoke highly of you, and was clearly in love. To the Willows & Creighton family, I am sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Tory (Friend) on: Apr 16, 2016
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Hi Ronda and Ian, I am so sorry to hear about your beautiful daughter Nicole,my prays and thoughts go out to you and your family. Nicole will be sadly missed by all who love Nicole and please enjoy and treasure the memories . Hugs thinking about all of you - Posted by: Janine Gregorash (Friend of Ronda and Ian /my daughter Kaleigh was friends and a soccer player with Nicole!) on: Apr 16, 2016
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I met Nicole in the Bruce Middle School gym at Grade 6 Volleyball Club. She was a constant positive presence and so kind, refreshing and witty. During the first few years of university we spent time together at live music events. She generously drove me to the airport which was just like her - I needed a ride, she didn't mind waking up at a ridiculous hour and was happy to do it. I am grateful we reconnected a few years ago. She was an incredible human being. Thoughts go out to her family, friends, partner and to all of the young lives she nourished. - Posted by: Elan Marchinko (Friend) on: Apr 16, 2016
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Hi Ronda and Ian, I am so sorry to hear about your beautiful daughter Nicole,my prays and thoughts go out to you and your family. Nicole will be sadly missed by all who love Nicole and please enjoy and treasure the memories . Hugs thinking about all of you - Posted by: Janine Gregorash (Friend of Ronda and Ian /my daughter Kaleigh was friends and a soccer player with Nicole!) on: Apr 16, 2016
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Nicole and I played soccer together for many years. We played together on the same line and I remember the smile on her face as I would book it towards her to jump and hug her after her endless amount of goals. Her dad Mr.willows coached us for many years as well. Fast forward 12- 15 years and I am so happy to see this girls face as a teacher at my childrens school!! Everytime we saw each other at Christmas concerts or other functions we always stopped to say hi. I saw her the Friday before spring break and as tired as I'm sure she was she STILL went out of her way to talk to me and ask my daughter about a class project they had worked on. She was an angel on earth and now she's an experienced angel up above. You will be missed terribly xoxo - Posted by: Ashley Arnason (friend) on: Apr 16, 2016
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Nicole was born into the most loving family and married an amazing man. Her life was short but she was able to share her passionate love for life with her caring, loving and supportive family and husband. I never remember seeing her without a smile on her face and a happy story to tell. She had a motherly, old soul and this came out so very strong in her teaching. She loved teaching and all her little children. There are no words to express how missed Nicole will be. - Posted by: Myra & Vic Nishi (Friends of the family ) on: Apr 16, 2016
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Although it has been over 15 years since Nikki last played provincial team table tennis, I can still see her smiling face as clear as if it was yesterday. Nikki and her sidekick Laura Bilous brought a ton of fun and kinetic energy to the gym. I was deeply saddened to hear of her passing and pass on my condolences to her mother Rhonda and family. - Posted by: Ron Edwards (Table Tennis Coach) on: Apr 16, 2016
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I was with Nicole in her first year of teaching she was amazing I was in her classroom last year with my student I loved being in her rooom I was in her classroom too for french this year I will miss her so much!!! she was an amazing woman and soooo brave.thinking of you Matt and Nicole's family - Posted by: anna sigurdson mrs s (friend and collegue) on: Apr 16, 2016